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Mysterious hepatitis in children has already been diagnosed in several countries around the world. As recently reported by prof. Krzysztof Pyrć, also in Poland. The cause of the epidemic has not yet been discovered (although there are some suspicions). However, it is known that hepatitis caused the death of one child. The cause of death of the second one is currently being investigated, it is possible that a mysterious liver disease is related to it.
Mysterious hepatitis in children is spreading around the world. Cases also in Poland
The first cases of severe acute hepatitis in previously healthy children were detected on April 5 in Great Britain. In the following days, the number of cases in the UK grew, and the disease also appeared in the USA, Israel, Japan and several EU countries. A few days ago, prof. Krzysztof Pyrć from the Małopolska Center of Biotechnology of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow informed that mysterious hepatitis also appeared in Poland. At the end of April, the total number of cases of acute hepatitis detected worldwide was estimated at 190.
It is not known exactly what causes liver damage in children. Of course, there are a few suspicions. These include COVID-19, adenoviruses (the most likely hypothesis at the current stage of work), new viruses, and a toxin. Prof. Pyrć points out, however, that “there is still no clear link” with any of them.
ECDC reports that “detailed epidemiological and laboratory studies of the cases” are ongoing. They all hope they will help determine the cause of severe acute hepatitis in healthy children. Unfortunately, there are more unknowns – the pathogenesis (origin) of the disease, as well as the way of its transmission, remain a mystery.
Acute hepatitis in children – possible second fatal case
Although hepatitis is not uncommon in children, experts are concerned about the severity and spread of the current epidemic. “Mild hepatitis is common in children after various viral infections, but what we are seeing today is completely different,” admits Graham Cooke, professor of infectious diseases at Imperial College London.
It is already known that severe acute hepatitis requires hospitalization, jaundice appears in its course and liver enzymes are significantly elevated. According to ECDC, “in most cases of jaundice to date, there has been a gastrointestinal disease with vomiting, diarrhea and nausea”. “Until now, most of the patients for whom information is available have recovered, but a dozen or so have developed acute liver failure requiring transplantation”. This is not the end, however.
The World Health Organization confirmed that severe acute hepatitis led to the death of a child. Another case of death is currently being investigated. This is done by health officials in Wisconsin (northern US). Unexplained liver damage has not yet been confirmed to be fatal, but this scenario is being taken into account.
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