The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating a sudden outbreak of acute hepatitis cases in children around the world. The cause of the epidemic has not yet been determined, but among the WHO's hypotheses there is that of an Adenovirus. So far, the 169 official cases (reported in 18 countries) have led to 17 transplants and one fatality, but as often happens the number of real cases is probably much higher.
The data to date
Between the lines of notes on the epidemic provided by the World Health Organization there is the fact that “adenovirus is a possible hypothesis”. The WHO adds that investigations are ongoing and explains why this conclusion was reached based on the studies conducted. The increase in the circulation of the adenovirus was recorded mostly in the UK and the Netherlands, with 74 infections while (of which 19 were evidence of Covid plus adenovirus). In Italy, the 11 cases confirmed so far have currently led to a transplant.
What are adenoviruses?
Adenoviruses are prevalent worldwide and resistant in the environment. The most common means of transmission are droplets of saliva and airborne secretions through coughing, sneezing, or consuming contaminated dietary fluids. Children who spend a lot of time in crowded environments (kindergartens, schools) and military personnel who live indoors are at greater risk.
What are the symptoms of the virus that causes acute hepatitis in children?
From reports recorded so far, the virus typically causes mild illness with fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Most of the cases, however, did not even show flu. In some cases, however, the course has led to a sharp rise in liver enzyme levels with more severe liver disease.
It is important to reiterate it: no currently known hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses were detected in the subjects examined.
The sudden explosion of cases of acute hepatitis in children around the world is worrying, but the WHO appears to be on the ball. Until new indications, needless to say, don't panic (I say this as a parent of a four-year-old girl).
