In 2022, a severe wave of childhood hepatitis has spread. This disease is an inflammation of the liver, which is otherwise not particularly threatening.
Surprisingly, in July, the WHO suddenly reported that more than 1,000 children had contracted the disease in 35 countries. More than 30 of them required a liver transplant. 22 patients have even died from the disease.
This mysterious and massive occurrence of childhood hepatitis has been investigated by various studies. These were published in the magazine “Nature” and show that the researchers see a connection to the adeno-associated virus 2. This virus was found in high concentrations in the sick children.
What is surprising regarding this is that it was actually assumed that this virus cannot cause diseases. Accordingly, the studies assume possible “helper viruses” that contribute to the severity of hepatitis.
The studies also do not rule out that this wave of hepatitis in children might be a consequence of the corona virus. After all, this occurred immediately following the relaxation of the corona measures.
Frank Tacke from the Berlin Charité explains to the news portal “Science.orf.at”: “It might be an unintended consequence of what we have experienced in the last two to three years of the pandemic.”
The wave of hepatitis has now subsided. Nevertheless, it is recommended to continue to adhere to the hygiene regulations, the heads of the studies say.