The world is seeing a spike in child hepatitis. The United States and the United Kingdom have reported viral and acute hepatitis cases in children.
Globally the case count is 169, with one death. However, the UK seems to be hit the most with 114 cases, some of the children needing liver transplants.
Most of the children affected are between the ages of 1 and 6. The symptoms begin with nausea and diarrhoea, and it can quickly cause yellowing of eyes and skin, pointing to burgeoning liver damage.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), a strain of adenovirus might be the cause.
Speaking on the cases, Dr Meera Chand, director of clinical and emerging infections at UKHSA, said: “Information gathered through our investigations increasingly suggests that this rise in sudden onset hepatitis in children is linked to adenovirus infection.
“However, we are thoroughly investigating other potential causes.” he said.
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Researchers say that not all children who catch adenovirus will become ill. However, cases of liver inflammation ( hepatitis) can be life-threatening. Scientists are also researching if the virus’s genetic makeup has changed to cause liver infection and inflammation.
While speaking at an emergency session at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) in Lisbon earlier on Monday, Dr. Chand assured families that adverse cases of adenovirus are rare but also shared warning signs to look out for in children.
- Feeling sick
- High temperature
- Joint or muscle pain
- Unusual tiredness
- loss of appetite
- Yellowing of the eyes and yellow tint on skin ( jaundice)
- Stomach ache
- Dark urine
- Passing pale, grey-colored faeces (poo)
Practising good hygiene like hands washing can help stop the spread of adenovirus. Also, experts have warned that children who show any of the above symptoms should stay at home and not go to school until the symptoms pass.