Health officials in many countries are investigating mysterious cases of severe liver disease in children. The UK is examining 74 cases of mystery liver illness, while the US recorded 9 identical cases from Alabama. Thereby, making it a growing source of concern because the disease has no recognized etiology. The World Health Organization was alerted about this mysterious liver disease affecting solely children earlier this month, as per Associated Press.
Aside from the United Kingdom and the United States, Spain and Ireland are also looking into a few comparable incidents, according to the report. More cases are likely to occur in the coming days, according to WHO officials. Also, there is an increase in cases over the last month and enhanced case search activities.
No deaths have happened as a result of this liver disease. But six instances were severe enough to necessitate liver transplants.
What is this mystery liver illness? What are the symptoms?
- The sickness has primarily affected children from one to six years old.
- The symptoms are similar to those of general liver illnesses such as hepatitis or liver inflammation. But the origin is unknown. There have been reports of jaundice, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- According to studies, the condition might be a cause of a virus that commonly links with colds.
- The disease is reportedly serious thus far. Although no children have died in the United States, six children in the United Kingdom have required liver transplants.
- Laboratory testing ruled out the hepatitis A, B, C, and E viruses, which generally cause such infections.
- According to the WHO, some European children tested positive for adenovirus, while others tested positive for COVID-19.
- Since January, there has been an increase in severe hepatitis among children in the United Kingdom, according to sources. In the US, Alabama has detected an increase since November of last year.