Following the emergence of acute hepatitis in previously healthy children in the UK, an estimated 55 such cases have occurred so far in the European Economic Area (EEA).
Twelve EEA countries have now reported suspected or confirmed cases, according to a risk assessment by the EU health authority ECDC. Cases also occurred in Austria.
So far, most young patients have recovered from the infection, but some have developed acute liver failure, requiring liver transplantation.
According to ECDC Director Andrea Ammon, the exact cause behind the hepatitis cases is still unclear. Previous investigations have indicated a connection with infections of children with adenovirus.
According to the ECDC, the incidence is very low, even if there is no systematic surveillance. As the pathogen is still unknown, the risk to the infant population cannot be accurately estimated at this time.