(ORDO NEWS) — The World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about an unusual increase in cases of liver damage in children in the US and Europe.
Experts still have not determined the cause of the outbreak
WHO first reported an outbreak of acute hepatitis on April 5, with 10 cases of severe liver inflammation in children under 10 years of age in Scotland.
Three days later, 74 cases across the UK were reported. Similar cases have been reported in Alabama, as well as in Ireland and Spain.
According to the report, the severity of the disease seen in the children was “unfortunately striking.” Experts report that the children did not have a serious medical history prior to admission to the hospital. Three patients required a liver transplant.
What is the reason? Until no one knows…
Experts cannot yet determine the cause of the disease. Laboratory testing ruled out hepatitis A, B, C, E, and D viruses. In some cases, children have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Coronavirus is known to damage the liver.
Another theory is that a previously undocumented microbe, or a mutated strain of an existing microbe, including adenovirus, could be the cause of the outbreak.
Despite the concern, experts highlight the fact that the liver regenerates very well over time. Parents and caregivers should contact the hospital if they notice any symptoms of hepatitis in their children. In the meantime, health authorities and the WHO will continue to investigate.
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