By: Real America News Updated 02 May 2022, 17: 32 pm EDT
Authorities announced that in at least 10 states an alarming increase was found in cases of severe hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, in children.
According to diagnosis, previously healthy children suddenly developed hepatitis or inflammation of the liver often caused by viruses . Jaundice, diarrhea and abdominal pain were among the symptoms reported.
In Minnesota, one of the last cases to see , two children have required liver transplants. One of them is still waiting.
Wisconsin issued a health alert after four cases were reported, including one that resulted in death. Cases were also reported in Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
This comes days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared clinical data from Alabama, where found the first cases, showing that the patients came from different parts of the state with no epidemiological links.
According to the CDC analysis, all patients were considered generally healthy, with no significant comorbidities and no weakened immune system. The median age was about three years, with a range from less than two to more than five years.
However, researchers believe the Alabama cases show a possible link to a virus that can cause colds.
Of the nine patients in Alabama, five were also found to have contracted an adenovirus. Although there are known 50 adenoviruses, these five children contracted the same strain, known as “type 41”.
Interestingly, most adenoviruses, including type 41, often only cause respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms, not severe hepatitis.
It is still unknown if that virus is a cause or if it is somehow contributing to the outbreak. Researchers said that any number of viruses, environmental toxins, and even medications can cause severe hepatitis.
Early symptoms of hepatitis include fever, loss of appetite , nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, joint pain and jaundice.
Read more:
WHO confirms 169 cases and one death due to the mysterious outbreak of childhood liver disease
National alert to US physicians to identify hepatitis in children when serious cases arise, some require transplant
Mysterious outbreak of liver disease in children spreads in the United States and Europe