The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Friday, 15 to “closely” monitor the emergence of cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children. Since January 74 have been identified and tested by the UK Health Protection Agency (UKHSA). WHO does not recommend travel restrictions for countries with cases and emphasizes that the priority is to identify the cause of the infection.
According to the WHO, in cases in the United Kingdom, laboratory tests ruled out hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses. The picture of European children is of acute infection. Many people have jaundice, which is sometimes preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms, especially in children up to 10 years of age. Some patients needed to be transferred to specialized infant liver units and six required a transplant. No deaths had been recorded as of April 11.
Following the UK alert, Ireland and Spain also reported confirmed and suspected cases, according to the WHO. The authorities of these countries conduct investigations.
According to the WHO, as cases in the UK have increased since last month, apart from a comprehensive search, it is likely that more confirmations will occur before the etiology (cause) is identified. The organization encouraged countries to identify, investigate and report potential cases.