Ministry of Health warns about hepatitis of unknown origin in children

As of April 21, 2022, at least 169 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin were reported in 11 countries in the WHO European Region and one country in the Americas Region.

Out of a total of 114 cases of acute hepatitis in children reported in the UK, 13 in Spain, 9 in the United States, 6 in Denmark, 5 in Ireland, 2 in Israel, four each in Italy and the Netherlands, two cases in Norway and France, and one each in Romania and Belgium.

According to the WHO, the age of the patients ranged from one month to 16 years. WHO has information on at least one death case. Approximately 10% of patients required a liver transplant.

The organization said that hepatitis viruses types A, B, C, E and D were not detected in any of these cases. Adenovirus was detected in at least 74 cases, and group F (type 41) adenovirus was found in 18 people during molecular testing.

As noted by the WHO, general measures to prevent adenovirus and other common infections include regular handwashing and respiratory hygiene. The organization advised WHO Member States to investigate and report cases of acute hepatitis in children.