The World Health Organization warns: an increase in the number of cases of hepatitis in children. Rambam expert: “We in Israel are starting to follow”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning in recent days due to a significant increase in the number of cases of hepatitis in children in Europe. The World Health Organization has also joined the Ministry of Health, asking the various treatment bodies in Israel to monitor cases that may be relevant.
According to data held by the organization, 84 cases of infection in children aged ten and under have been reported in the UK. Nine more cases of hepatitis in the US and 3 cases in Spain were also reported. Of all these cases, three of the children reached a state of liver failure and needed a liver transplant, the data show.
Lots of question marks
“At the moment it is not clear what the source of this outbreak is,” explains Prof. Ronen Arnon, director of liver disease in children at Rambam. At the same time, other hypotheses are being tested, including that it is a reaction to chemicals or toxins (toxins) that have been distributed in these areas or a phenomenon related to post-coboid. Not much is known at this stage and the World Health Organization is monitoring the situation. ”
According to Prof. Arnon, who served as head of the research committee of the American Society for Liver Transplantation in Children, acute cases of hepatitis, even those that lead to a condition of liver transplantation, without knowing their origin, are not a new condition.
Multiple cases in a short time
Prof. Arnon:
In many cases examined by doctors, it is not possible to reach a diagnosis, but since there is a state of multiplicity here in a very short period of time and in targeted areas, there is room to raise a flag. The Ministry of Health has joined the warnings of the World Organization and we have received targeted criteria for clarifying and monitoring the problem.
Pay attention to the signs
Following the outbreaks in Europe, Rambam emphasizes that there is no cause for concern at this stage, but if there are symptoms or signs of developing hepatitis, further investigation should be done at the hospital. “Complaints about a general bad feeling and other known signs that indicate hepatitis,” explains Prof. Arnon.
