Mysterious epidemic of childhood hepatitis hits Europe and the United States

a mysterious epidemic hepatitis It affects children in Europe and the United States. There are 74 cases currently under investigation in the UK, and health officials agree that the viruses involved are not the same as the usual causes of the disease.

Denmark, the Netherlands, Ireland and Spain also recorded the infection, which led to a warning issued by the European Union health agency. Six more patients have been identified in the US state of Alabama, indicating the spread of the problem.

Hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver and can be caused by infections or the consumption of toxic substances such as alcohol. There are five main types of viruses that lead to the development of symptoms, but none of these have been found in detected cases.

The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) stated that affected children are between the ages of two and five. Some had to receive a transplant of the endangered organ. According to the agency, one of the possible causes was transmission of the adenovirus.

There are dozens of these pathogens that are often associated with the common cold, fever, headache, and conjunctivitis. In the United States, health officials said all patients tested positive for the invader.

Still, the World Health Organization was skeptical of the theory. They note that the virus was not detected in tests performed by children affected by the disease in Ireland and Spain.

However, all health institutions agree that the number of cases should be carefully monitored in the coming days and an increase in contamination is expected.

UKHSA ruled out the possibility that the outbreak was related to the vaccine against covid-19, as none of the children with hepatitis were vaccinated.