A number of serious cases of hepatitis in children have terrified doctors on both sides of the lake. Dozens of children in the UK and Europe, as well as some in the US, have symptoms of hepatitis that are not currently explained by known causes. Outbreak theories include the resurgence of an existing but usually quieter germ, the complications of covid-19, or even the arrival of a new or mutated virus. Hepatitis is most often caused by a group of five unrelated viruses (hepatitis A to E), but is actually a formal term for any type of liver inflammation. Various infectious diseases, heavy use of alcohol, toxins, and even certain medications can all cause hepatitis. Symptoms range from fever and fatigue to jaundice (yellowed skin and eyes), nausea, abdominal pain and dark urine. In severe cases, it can lead to liver failure and death. Since January of this year, doctors in the UK have reported an alarming increase in severe, sometimes life-threatening hepatitis cases in children – above the normal baseline incidence rate. At least 74 cases reported in the country appear to match the bill, with children not being positive for any of the known hepatitis viruses. In a case report by Scottish doctors published on Thursday, the authors noted that three children became so ill that they were evaluated for a possible liver transplant. At least six children in the UK have received a liver transplant, according to a recent World Health Organization summary. This week, health officials in Spain reported three cases of their own, including one of a child who also needed a transplant. And in the US, health officials in Alabama have reported at least nine cases of hepatitis in children dating back to October 2021, which similarly escapes a simple explanation. A public health warning issued by the Alabama Department of Public Health to doctors in February referred to a possible case in another state, but did not provide further details. The main theory at the moment is that these cases could be caused by adenoviruses, which are a common source of colds and other illnesses. Many infectious diseases were less active during the pandemic, mainly due to measures aimed at limiting the highly contagious coronavirus. But as the world opens up and people spend more time with each other, it is expected that these germs will start spreading again. Because we may have less population immunity to these pathogens, some could cause outbreaks larger than usual as they return. Thus, it is possible for a known adenovirus that rarely causes hepatitis in children to grow temporarily. G / O Media may receive a commission 14% discount. Logitech C920 Webcam Looks good HD 1080p video capability at 30 fps, has dual microphones that help you get your voice right and has special software for easy customization. That said, health professionals do not rule out other possibilities. There was a large influx of covid-19 cases last winter, for example, including children. And there is some evidence that coronavirus can damage the liver. It is worth noting that some children tested positive for both adenoviruses and coronaviruses. Another plausible theory is that it is the fault of a previously undetected germ or a mutated strain of an existing germ, including an adenovirus. Environmental disturbances could be possible, although this may be less likely, as these complexes are now found in many countries. “At the time of publication, the main hypotheses are centered around the adenovirus – either a new variant with a distinct clinical syndrome or a variant that is usually circulating that more severely affects immunocompromised younger children,” wrote the authors of the report from Scotland. . . The CDC is working with Alabama health officials to look into their cases and determine if children are sick anywhere else in the United States.
