Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, usually caused by a viral infection. Adenovirus has been detected in nearly 50% of children who have unexplained hepatitis at present. WHO experts do not rule out that it may be related to adenovirus.
New York, NY (Merxwire) – According to the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, as of the 10th of this month, 348 cases of unexplained hepatitis in children have been reported worldwide, more than 90% of children are hospitalized, and 10% of children need liver transplantation, and five deaths. Governments of various countries are currently actively dealing with it. Still, the disease is threatening, and parents are more concerned about preventing the infection when the source of the condition is unknown?
Since October 2021, the first hospitalized cases of unexplained hepatitis in children have appeared in the United States. As of May 10, 2022, there have been more than 300 cases globally, of which Europe is the largest, followed by the Americas, and sporadic cases have also begun to appear in Asia. Children in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia have all been diagnosed, and the Indonesian Ministry of Health said three children died of unexplained hepatitis in April.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated local cases. They found that about 70% of the patients tested positive for adenovirus, and WHO experts believe that these unexplained hepatitis cases may be related to adenovirus. Adenovirus is a common virus that is mainly transmitted through the fecal-oral route. It can cause colds or gastrointestinal discomforts, such as vomiting, fever, respiratory symptoms, and other problems. In severe cases, it can lead to weakened immune function. Children with weakened immune systems may suffer from it. However, it is unclear whether it will affect healthy children, and relevant units are studying to clarify the relationship.
In addition, about 20% of the cases tested positive for COVID-19. The WHO said it would conduct further research on whether children have increased susceptibility to adenovirus infection during the outbreak or new types of adenoviruses. What can be determined so far is that the disease has nothing to do with the side effects of the new crown vaccine because most children have not been vaccinated against the new crown vaccine.
Most cases of unexplained hepatitis in children are younger than ten years old and have symptoms such as jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The United States Minnesota State Epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield said that if the child at home has recently experienced vomiting, diarrhea, or symptoms similar to the common cold, or Yellow eyes and skin, be sure to seek medical attention immediately.
It means that even if the source of infection has not been found, parents do not need to worry too much, good personal hygiene management can help reduce the chance of infection, and do wash hands to reduce the spread of infection. In addition, parents can teach their children to cover their coughs or sneezes, not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth, and to avoid contact with people who are sick to protect themselves and others.