United States-there seems to be a mysterious uptick in cases of pediatric hepatitis that is alerting health officials in the nation. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 109 cases that are under investigation that have affected children between 2 to 16 years old in 25 states and territories. Most of the children were hospitalized, while five have died.
With the rise in cases, the CDC has released a health advisory to ensure health care providers will be able to monitor the cases.
On the other hand, it seems like it's not only happening in the US. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 228 probable cases in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Israel, Spain, Denmark, and Ireland.
The UK was the first to report cases to WHO as their Health Security Agency confirmed at least 163 cases across Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
It Has Been Happening Since 2021
Pediatric hepatitis is not new; in fact, it's been happening since October 2021. The CDC issued a nationwide health alert about an investigation that involves nine children in Alabama that were identified between October 2021 and February 2022 with hepatitis or liver inflammation and adenovirus infection.
All of the children tested positive for adenovirus, which is a common virus that causes mild cold or flu-like symptoms or gastrointestinal problems. The nine children were healthy before they got sick and had no underlying conditions.
Three of the nine kids had acute liver failure, while two received liver transplants. Today, all the nine children that were put under investigation are recovering.
It's Still "Rare" But It Can Be Serious
Parents in the US and across the world are starting to get worried. However, Dr. Leanna Wen, a CNN Medical Analyst, emergy physician and professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health said, "These cases of unexplained hepatitis in children remain very rare. However, some have been extremely serious."
Still, parents should not be overly worried and be assured that the cases are now under investigation. It's also crucial to stay informed about what hepatitis is and what they can expect from it.
For one, knowing the initial symptoms are important. However, pediatric hepatitis symptoms are nonspecific, but later signs may include dark urine and light-colored stools. Parents should also be on the lookout for jaundice, which is when the skin turns yellow. Parents who notice these signs should proceed to the doctor immediately.
The Role of COVID-19
Many are wondering if the rise in cases has something to do with the coronavirus.
However, Dr. Jay Butler, the CDC's deputy director for infectious diseases said, "We are not aware of cases that are occurring in kids that have documented COVID-19. But it's a question that I think is still unanswered."
Prevention Unknown?
There are still no clear measures on how to prevent hepatitis in children, especially since the cause remains unknown. On the other hand, if hepatitis has a link to the adenovirus, the same measures that are being used to fight against COVID-19 will be helpful.
Related article : Alarming Cases of Hepatitis Prompted Experts to Warn Parents Across England and Scotland
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by: April Fowell
