Global Health: Monitoring 650 probable cases of acute hepatitis in children
The World Health Organization said on Friday it had received reports of 650 probable cases of acute hepatitis in children, but added that its causes were not yet known and were still being investigated.
A WHO study reported that as of May 26, 33 countries had reported a total of 650 probable cases, with an additional 99 cases classified as pending.
Health authorities around the world are looking for a mysterious increase in cases of acute hepatitis in young children, which has led to at least nine deaths.
US health officials said last week that infection with adenovirus, a common childhood virus, is the leading hypothesis for recent cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children.
Hepatitis associated with this type of adenovirus almost only affects children who are immunocompromised.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also said it is investigating whether Covid-19 infection plays a role in this framework, as well as other pathogens, medications and risk factors.
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