Hepatitis: Fears of the spread of misinformation with the increase in the incidence of the disease

3 hours ago

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Concerns about incorrect information circulating on the Internet are growing as the number of cases of “occult hepatitis” among children rises.

Since April 21, the World Health Organization has recorded at least 169 cases in 11 countries who had symptoms of hepatitis, the cause of which is not known.

Posts on social media have linked cases of the coronavirus vaccine. But the injuries were recorded, for the most part, among children under the age of five, and therefore they are not eligible to receive the vaccine, according to health officials.

Health authorities are urging parents not to believe the allegations.

Officials suggested that the most worthy hypothesis to study is related to one of the common viruses.

Scientists are still studying other factors that may be behind hepatitis, most notably that the closure to limit the spread of the Corona virus reduced children’s exposure to germs, which affected their immune systems.

Dozens of new cases

Meanwhile, British officials announced dozens of new infections with the mysterious disease among young children.

It has recorded 34 cases since April 25, which brings the number of cases in Britain to 145 since last January.

Of the injured, ten children underwent liver transplants.

Scientists in Britain do not have firm evidence as to why the number of cases is so high.

Most of the cases detected were among children under five years of age. They initially developed symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea, and nausea, then developed symptoms.

Scientists have not ruled out a set of reasons that may be behind the spread of this unusual type of hepatitis, which is still being studied.

And Mira Chand, a health security official in Britain, admitted that parents may have reason to worry about this problem at the moment. But she also suggested that the chances of children contracting hepatitis are very low.

“However, we should remind parents to be aware of any symptoms of hepatitis, especially jaundice – easily identifiable by the appearance of yellow spots in the whites of the eyes – and to contact their doctor if they have concerns about this disease,” Chand said. .

She added that observing the rules of hygiene and health – such as washing hands regularly – will help reduce the spread of many common infections.

It also advised that children who show symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting should stay at home and not return to schools or kindergartens until 48 hours after the disappearance of those symptoms.