1010 Cases of Severe Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Etiology in Children in 35 Countries

As of July 8, 2022, a total of 1010 suspected cases of severe acute hepatitis in children of unknown etiology, including 22 deaths, have been reported in 35 countries in five WHO regions, according to WHO. Of these, 48% of the probable cases were from Europe.

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Based on laboratory test results, infection with hepatitis A, B, C, and E viruses in these children was ruled out. According to the report, most cases do not appear to be directly linked to epidemiology, although pathogens such as adenovirus and novel coronavirus have been detected in some cases. (Adenovirus is a common pathogen that can cause infection and morbidity in humans. Adenovirus infections can cause a wide range of clinical manifestations and diseases, including respiratory disease, gastrointestinal disease, oculoconjunctivitis, cystitis, and neurological disease.)

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In order to determine the etiology as early as possible, WHO indicated that national authorities, research networks, different WHO working groups, and partners are conducting epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, histopathological, and toxicological investigations into the possible etiology of these cases.

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Until more is known about the etiology of these cases, WHO recommends implementing general infection prevention and control measures, including frequent hand hygiene, using soap and water or hand sanitizer containing alcohol; avoiding crowded spaces and keeping a distance from others; ensuring good ventilation indoors; wearing appropriate masks to cover the mouth and nose when appropriate; covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow, and using safe drinking water.

In addition, five critical elements of safe food consumption must be followed: keep it clean; separate raw from cooked; cook it thoroughly; keep food at a safe temperature; use safe water and ingredients. Surfaces that come into regular contact should be cleaned regularly.

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