The World Health Organization reported that 650 children have been diagnosed with cases of severe hepatitis in 33 countries since the beginning of April. 38 children needed a liver transplant and nine died. More than half of the cases came from Europe
The World Health Organization has announced that 650 children have contracted liver disease, a disease that is at global health risk. Of the 650 cases, 38 children needed a liver transplant and nine died. More than half of the cases came from Europe. The cause of acute hepatitis is still unknown and is being investigated.
650 cases of inflammation have been reported in 33 countries between April 5 and May 26, the latest estimate being that the disease poses a “moderate” global risk. Of the 650 cases, 58 per cent were from the European region, and 34 per cent are from the UK and Northern Ireland. More than 200 cases have been reported in the United States.
Hepatitis is the cause of hepatitis and is often associated with viral infections. Adenovirus, a common pathogen found in children, has been identified in more than half of recent cases. Earlier this month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidelines for testing for adenovirus in children as a possible cause of hepatitis in children around the world, though it is still unclear if the two are related.
In early May, the CDC reported 109 cases of hepatitis detected in children in the U.S. These cases included six deaths, and 14% of patients required a liver transplant. Worldwide, at least 38 children – 6% of all cases – required transplants, and nine – 1 % – died, according to the World Health Organization.