Sciensano will go back until October 1, 2021 to examine possible cases of acute unexplained hepatitis affecting children, said Friday Steven Van Gucht, virologist at the public health institute.
Two cases in Belgium
There are currently two confirmed cases in Belgium. They are two children under the age of ten who were hospitalized for a period of time with acute inflammation of the liver. No link has been established between the two young patients.
The virologist expects cases to increase next week. “a certain name“Possible cases are currently under investigation. These are children, aged one month to 14 years, with acute inflammation of the liver for which the cause has not been found. additional must be made.
Sciensano also works retroactively. The health institute is thus examining cases that occurred from October 1, 2021.”We therefore also analyze fairly old cases“, soulful M. Van Gucht.
Acute inflammations of the liver without any cause being found have already occurred in the past. “That in itself is nothing new“, emphasizes the virologist. “What has set off alarm bells is that in some countries, more cases have been observed in a shorter period than expected.“, he punctuates.