According to the latest update from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 180 cases of severe hepatitis of unknown cause have been reported in children in 36 US states and territories as of Wednesday.
The new figure represents an increase of 71 cases from the 109 recorded by the CDC on May 5.
No deaths have been reported since February 2022, and the proportion of pediatric patients requiring liver transplants has fallen from 15% to 9% since May 5, according to the CDC.
It is unknown at this stage what caused these cases, but the adenovirus that was detected in nearly half of these young patients remains an important lead, the CDC said.
Further lab tests are underway to take a closer look at the virus genome and other potential pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, he continued.
While noting that severe hepatitis in children remains rare, however, the CDC encouraged parents and caregivers to be alert for liver symptoms, “especially jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin or eyes – and to contact the their child’s caregiver if there is a concern”.
On April 21, the CDC issued a nationwide health alert to notify doctors and public health authorities of a group of children identified as having hepatitis and adenovirus infection.
The agency has asked all physicians to remain alert for symptoms and to report any suspected cases of hepatitis of unknown origin to their local and state health departments.