Context

The World Health Organization recently said that at least one child death had been reported following an increase of acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children.

About

The news:

• The WHO issued the figures as health authorities around the world investigate a mysterious increase in severe cases of hepatitis - inflammation of the liver – in young children.
• At least 169 cases had been reported in children in 12 countries including in the UK, US, Spain, Israel, and Ireland - among youngsters aged from one month to 16 years.
• The UK has reported 114 of the cases.
• Scientists currently believe that an adenovirus, a common type of virus that can cause common colds, could be behind the wave of acute hepatitis cases.
• At least 74 of the children who are affected have tested positive for adenovirus
• COVID-19 infection was identified in 20 of those tested and
• 19 cases were detected with a COVID-19 and adenovirus co-infection.
• Concern: The cases are more unusual because they are not linked to any of the five typical strains of the virus – hepatitis A, B, C, D and E.
• Symptoms: Hepatitis symptoms include dark urine, yellowing of the eyes and skin, sickness, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, light-coloured stools and joint pain.
• There is no specific treatment for hepatitis but drugs like steroids can help, as well as medicines to treat the symptoms.