First Belgian case of hepatitis of unknown origin in children (WHO)

A case of hepatitis of unknown origin in children has been discovered in Belgium for the first time, The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported on Saturday.

Worldwide at least 169 cases are known so far, most of them in the United Kingdom (114). In addition, cases have also been identified in Spain (13), Israel (12), the US (9), Denmark (6), Ireland (less than 5), the Netherlands (4), Italy (4), Norway (2), France (2), Romania (1) and now Belgium (1). All patients are between 1 month and 16 years old. Seventeen children had to undergo a liver transplant. One child died.

The cause of the mysterious liver disease is not yet known. In any case, it is not one of the usual hepatitis viruses (A to E). An adenovirus is now being considered as a potential cause. In fact, 74 cases tested positive for an adenovirus infection. However, the WHO is also investigating other hypotheses, because an infection with an adenovirus in healthy children has never before led to hepatitis. The World Health Organisation is studying, among other things, whether increased susceptibility due to a lower circulation of adenoviruses during the Covid-19 pandemic, the emergence of a new adenovirus or a combination with an infection with the coronavirus could be the cause.

No link has been found with any of the Covid-19 vaccines. So far, no other epidemiological risk factor, such as a recent trip abroad, has been identified either.

(KR)

© BELGA PHOTO LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ