The World Health Organization announced on Friday that it is monitoring cases of hepatitis in dozens of children in the United Kingdom, the origin of which remains to be determined. On April 5, the United Kingdom reported to theOMS 10 cases of severe hepatitis in Scotland, before reporting a total of 74 cases three days later, according to a statement from the WHO, which expects further reports in the coming days.
Some cases required transfer to a ward specializing in liver disease and six children had to undergo a transplant, the same source said. According to the UN agency, fewer than five confirmed or possible cases have been reported in Ireland and three cases in Spain. No deaths have been recorded.
This hepatitis mainly affects children under the age of 10 and is manifested by symptoms such as jaundice, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
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Since the usual hepatitis viruses (A to E) have not been detected in affected children, the British health authorities have recently indicated that they are examining the hypothesis of a type of virus (adenovirus), as well as d other possible causes such as Covid-19, other infections or environmental factors.
However, they ruled out any link with the Covid vaccine, which was not administered to any of the confirmed cases in the United Kingdom.
« No other epidemiological risk factors have been identified to date, including recent international travel“, noted the WHO, which is “monitoring the situation closely” and does not recommend any travel restrictions with the United Kingdom and other countries where cases have been identified.
With MAP
