The scientific institute of public health Sciensano expects other possible cases, in the coming weeks, of acute hepatitis which was identified for the first time in our country. The World Health Organization (WHO ) reported new cases of an unknown form of hepatitis in children on Saturday, and for the first time, also in Belgium. Sciensano confirmed the information. “This is a case of acute liver disease in a child that is similar to cases seen in the UK,” explained virologist Steven Van Gucht. The majority of cases have been identified in the UK. There are still many uncertainties. The public health institute expects other cases. “We don’t know if there is a common cause. Adenovirus was found in the stool, but it could also be a coincidence. Adenovirus is very common in children. We asked doctors to report also other possible cases. It is very likely that there will be several other possible cases in the coming weeks. This corresponds to our expectations, “commented the virologist on Saturday evening. The cause of this mysterious liver disease is still unknown, Van Gucht added. “Also, we don’t yet know if there is a common cause, let alone if it was caused by a virus. We are still in the research stage.” (Belga)
© 2022 Belgian. All rights of reproduction and representation reserved. All the information reproduced in this section (dispatches, photos, logos) is protected by intellectual property rights held by Belgian. Consequently, none of this information may be reproduced, modified, redistributed, translated, commercially exploited or reused in any way whatsoever without the prior written consent of Belgian.