While still a rare condition, a growing number of countries are reporting minors with acute and severe hepatitis of unknown origin, which is being investigated and monitored since the first cases were reported a month ago in the UK.
“So far there have been more than 230 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children under 16 years in 20 countries. In Latin America, cases have been reported in Argentina and Panama,” said Carlos Camacho, pediatric infection expert at the Homi Foundation.
They have also performed in the United States and Canada. Its origin is still unknown and the hypothesis that the cause is adenovirus remains the most important.
“Half of the cases have been linked to adenoviruses, adenoviruses are viruses that cause respiratory infections, which cause liver inflammation, diarrhea and symptoms that often occur in childhood,” explained the expert.
As the cause is unknown, preventive measures are also unclear, but given that adenovirus is airborne, strategies such as physical distancing and hand washing will be key.
“The symptoms are common in hepatitis icterus, namely yellow color of the eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. In the presence of these symptoms, parents should be consulted”, says pediatrician Camacho.
The Ministry of Health and the National Institutes of Health have made recommendations to territorial health entities and institutions providing health services to respond to this international warning.
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