According to the WHO, it is still unclear whether there is actually a buildup or if more cases are currently being discovered due to the increased attention given to this liver inflammation. None of the children were infected with the classic hepatitis virus.
According to experts, hepatitis in children usually runs its course without symptoms or with only minor involvement. According to WHO information, many of the children now affected had very high levels of liver enzymes and jaundice.
Already 17 liver transplants
According to the WHO, 17 children needed a liver transplant and at least one died. Adenoviruses were found in 74 patients. However, the WHO highlighted that these viruses often cause only milder symptoms, such as respiratory illness.
A possible connection to the corona pandemic must now be investigated. For the WHO, it is conceivable that children are now more susceptible to adenoviruses because these pathogens were transmitted less during the pandemic. In addition, the hypothesis that dual infections with adenovirus and corona virus may play a role is being investigated.
The WHO excludes hepatitis as a side effect of Covid vaccines: the vast majority of young patients with hepatitis are not vaccinated.