U.S. health authorities announced Friday that they are investigating 109 cases of unexplained hepatitis in children in the United States, five of which have resulted in death.
These cases of severe liver inflammation are also raising concerns in Europe, where many cases have also been identified, and scientists around the world are trying to understand the cause.
In the United States, cases have been identified in 25 states and territories, and the affected children have a median age of only two years, an official from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said at a press conference. .
Because of their young age, the children involved are virtually ineligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
Vaccination against COVID-19 is not the cause of this disease, hammered Jay Butler, assistant director in charge of infectious disease for the CDCsaying he wants to end the rumors spreading on the Internet.
He clarified that COVID-19 infection itself was not excluded as a potential cause.
Ang CDC however, it favors the trail of a particular type of adenovirus – viruses that are relatively common, but not previously known to cause hepatitis in healthy children.
More than half of affected children in the United States have been confirmed positive for the adenovirus uri 41, until now known to cause gastroenteritis. This adenovirus has also been seen in many affected children outside the United States.
One of the hypotheses is that the reaction to this adenovirus may be interrupted by another element, such as infection with COVID-19 or environmental factors (e.g., contact with animals or toxins).
Investigators here and around the world are trying to determine the causeassurance of Jay Butler.
American doctors are on high alert
Parents are encouraged to watch for any symptoms in their children (vomiting, dark urine, dark stools, jaundice) and contact their doctor if they are concerned.
Two weeks ago, the CDC issued a health alert for doctors to notify authorities of any suspected case of hepatitis of unknown origin.
The 109 cases seen have occurred over the past seven months, Butler said. And 14% of affected children need to receive a liver transplant.
If 90% of children need to be hospitalized, in most cases, they recover afterwards.
We know this news can be disturbing, especially for parents of young children. It is important to note that severe forms of hepatitis are raresaid Mr. Butler to be reassured.
He said the number of pediatric emergency room visits for hepatitis is currently not abnormally high in the United States, unlike the United Kingdom.
A total of 163 cases have been identified in the United Kingdom, British health authorities announced Friday.
Outside the United States, at least 200 cases have been identified, another official said CDC.
Source: Radio-Canada
