2022 hepatitis of unknown origin in children

2022 Hepatitis of Unknown Origin in Children

Map showing affected countries

The 2022 hepatitis of unknown origin in children refers to a series of cases of severe acute hepatitis reported in children across multiple countries. The outbreak was first identified in the United Kingdom in early 2022 and has since been reported in various other countries. The cause of this hepatitis remains unknown, although investigations are ongoing.

Background

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viral infections, toxins, or autoimmune diseases. In this outbreak, affected children presented with symptoms of acute hepatitis, including jaundice, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes. Notably, the usual hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, and E) were not detected in these cases, leading to the classification of the condition as hepatitis of unknown origin.

Epidemiology

The outbreak was first reported in the United Kingdom, where a cluster of cases was identified. As of mid-2022, cases have been reported in over 30 countries, including the United States, Spain, and Israel. The majority of affected children are under the age of 10, with some requiring liver transplantation due to severe liver failure.

Possible Causes

Adenovirus type 4, a possible cause

Several hypotheses have been proposed regarding the cause of this hepatitis outbreak. One leading theory is the involvement of adenovirus, a common virus that can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Adenovirus type 41 has been detected in many of the affected children, although it is not typically associated with hepatitis in healthy children.

Other potential causes being investigated include environmental factors, co-infections with other viruses, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's immune systems. However, no definitive cause has been identified as of yet.

Clinical Presentation

Children affected by this hepatitis outbreak typically present with symptoms such as:

• Jaundice
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue

Laboratory findings often show elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin levels. In severe cases, liver function may deteriorate rapidly, necessitating liver transplantation.

Public Health Response

Health authorities worldwide have been alerted to the outbreak, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and prevent further cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) are coordinating efforts to monitor the situation and provide guidance to healthcare providers.

Related Pages

• Hepatitis
• Adenovirus
• Liver transplantation
• World Health Organization