Hepatitis detected in up to 300 children worldwide

According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 300 probable cases of children with severe hepatitis have been detected in 20 countries.

 

International health officials are investigating an increase in cases of the liver condition, which was first detected in the UK. It is believed a common virus called adenovirus, which has rebounded after the pandemic, could be causing the surge.

 

As of 1^st May, most cases of young children with hepatitis had been detected in Europe, with small numbers also reported in South East Asia, the Americas and western Pacific.

 

The first cases were detected in Scotland in children under the age of 10.  Now, over 140 cases are being investigated throughout the UK.  Most had a mild form of liver inflammation, although ten children have needed a liver transplant.

 

The viruses which usually cause the condition (viruses A, B, C, D and E) were not detected in any of the children.

 

Scientists believe that a common virus which has rebounded since the Covid pandemic could be playing a role and has been circulating recently at much higher levels than normal.

 

The most common pathogen detected in around 75 per cent of the children in the UK with confirmed hepatitis was adenovirus (F41) and a particular type of F41 was found in a quarter of those children’s blood.

 

Health officials in the UK believe young children who were not exposed to common virus during the pandemic due to reduced social mixing, are now being infected when they have no previous protection.

 

The WHO said “While adenovirus is a possible hypothesis, investigations are ongoing for the causative agent.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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