Hepatitis Outbreak: WHO identifies 169 cases in children worldwide

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced a Hepatitis Outbreak in a disease outbreak news published on the 23rd of April, 2022.Cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children between the age of 1 month to 16 years old across multiple countries. As investigations are still ongoing to find the causative agent, it is still unclear whether hepatitis cases have increased or if more people are aware of these hepatitis cases.

It has also emerged that one child has died, and at least 17 children have needed liver transplants.

Diagnosed Cases Overview

A WHO report shows that they have reported 169 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin from 11 countries in the WHO European Region and one country in the WHO American Region.

There have been one hundred and fourteen (114) cases reported from the UK, thirteen (13) from Northern Ireland, twelve (12) from Israel, nine (9) in the United States of America, six (6) from Denmark, five (5) from Ireland, four (4) from The Netherlands, two (2) from Norway, two (2) from France, one (1) from Romania, and one (1) from Belgium.

Findings of the Hepatitis Outbreak

The investigations carried out by the World Health Organization suggest that an increase in severe cases of hepatitis may relate to adenovirus infection. But other possibilities are still under investigation.

Adenovirus, which causes a range of illnesses including colds, sore throats, pneumonia, diarrheas, and conjunctivitis, was the most common pathogen detected in 74 confirmed cases tested. World Health Organization identified 18 cases as F type 41, 20 of the cases were positive for SARS-CoV-2. And 19 cases had a co-infection of Covid-19 and adenovirus.

The world health organization, the United Kingdom, and other affected countries are working with partners to investigate these infected cases further.

Hepatitis symptoms in the infected children

Hepatitis symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal Pain
• Jaundice (yellow eyes or skin)
• Dark urine
• Pale faeces (poo)
• itchy skin
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fever (a high temperature)
• Fatigue

Related: All you need to know about Viral Hepatitis

Preventive Methods to this Hepatitis Outbreak

Though African countries are yet to report similar cases of viral hepatitis in children; this is the time to stay vigilant and ensure preventive measures are in place. The preventive methods include:

• If parents or guardians notice signs of hepatitis (including jaundice), they should contact a healthcare professional. 
• Handwashing thoroughly (including supervising children) and good respiratory hygiene can reduce the spread of many common infections, including adenovirus.
• We recommend that children experiencing symptoms of gastrointestinal infection. Such as diarrhea and vomiting, stay at home for at least 48 hours after they have stopped.
• Ensure that children always have adult supervision in schools or playgrounds to avoid contact with bodily fluids. Such as blood, mucus, saliva, and urine.

These tips will help ensure that every child remains healthy and in good spirits!