The UK has seen an “unexpected significant increase” in the number of cases of severe acute hepatitis in children, with occasional links to COVID-19, according to a press release issued by the World Health Organization on Friday. (WHO) for the European region.
WHO was notified of 10 cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in children under 10 in central Scotland on 5 April. “As of April 8, 74 cases have been identified in the UK,” the press release said.
Laboratory tests conducted following the appearance of these cases excluded hepatitis A, B, C and E viruses (and D in some cases), however “severe acute respiratory syndrome type 2 (SARS-CoV- 2) and/or an adenovirus was detected in several cases”, according to the WHO.
“Some of the cases tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and/or an adenovirus”, however the United Nations health agency indicated that a genetic analysis of these viruses should be carried out to determine the possible associations of these case.
“Some of these cases required transfer to specialized hepatology units and six of these children underwent liver transplantation. As of April 11, no deaths have been reported among these cases.”
In addition, a wave of cases across Europe has heightened concerns following this notification by the UK. In Ireland, five cases have been reported.
In addition, three confirmed cases of acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in children aged 22 months to 13 years have been reported in Spain.
“These cases are currently under investigation by national authorities,” according to the WHO.
The WHO “strongly encourages” member countries to identify, investigate and report possible cases that fit this description. F