The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that at least one infant death was caused by “acute hepatitis of unknown cause” and at least 169 cases were reported in children in 12 countries. The country where the death took place was not disclosed.
The UN health agency said that as of April 21, acute cases of hepatitis of unknown origin had been reported from the UK (114), Spain (13), Israel (12), the US (9), Denmark (6) and Ireland (5), Netherlands (4), Italy (4), Norway (2), France (2), Romania (1) and Belgium (1).
Source: JohnnyGreig/Istock WHO confirms death of child from hepatitis of unknown cause
The reported cases involved children between the ages of one month and 16 years. Also according to the WHO, 17 required a liver transplant.
In many cases, prior to the onset of severe acute hepatitis, gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting have been reported.
The usual viruses that cause acute viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses) were not detected in any of these cases.
There are suspicions that the disease could be caused by a new strain of adenovirus, a cold virus, or even the coronavirus.
The World Health Organization said the adenovirus had been detected in at least 74 cases. Of those tested, 20 were reported to have Covid19 infection and 19 cases had coinfection with Covid19 and adenovirus.
Image: Mseidelch/IstockThe World Health Organization is following the investigations
alarm
The UN health agency said it is monitoring the situation closely and is working with UK health officials and other partners.
Meanwhile, US health officials have issued a national alert urging doctors to watch out for symptoms of pediatric hepatitis that may be linked to a common cold virus.