| Undiagnosed hepatitis variant spreads; One child died, anxiety

New York: Unknown hepatitis that has spread to eleven countries has taken the life of a child, raising concerns around the world. According to the World Health Organization, 169 children between the ages of one month and 16 years have been infected so far. Most of them are from the UK.

A rare form of hepatitis that severely affects the liver is now spreading. This is different from the common hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. The cause of the new variant has not yet been determined. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that efforts are underway.

In addition to one death, the world is on high alert as 17 babies may need liver transplants. Outbreaks appear to be exacerbated in the US, Israel, Denmark, Ireland and Spain. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine, fever, loss of appetite, and arthritis.

Experts in the field say that although there has been a slight outbreak of the disease, the fact that the infected are children is a cause for concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) says international travel has not yet been linked to the spread of the disease.