4. WHAT’S CAUSING IT?
A viral organism is likely because the cases are appearing in clusters, according to Tina Tan, a physician at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago and a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. But experts are still largely in the dark about which virus it could be.
The WHO said that adenoviruses were detected in at least 74 of the children, or more than 40 per cent of cases. In 18 of those, a specific strain has been identified: F type 41.
The findings are perplexing, however, since adenoviruses normally resolve on their own and don’t cause the severity of disease seen in the children.
Some were also infected with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, though the role of any of the viruses is not clear.
US officials have expressed doubt about any connection with COVID-19, saying that all the patients in the initial Alabama cluster tested negative at the hospital and had no history of previous infection.
The WHO report also noted that the “vast majority” of children affected had not received any vaccine for COVID-19, making hypotheses about possible side effects from the shots unlikely.
Common pathogens that cause acute viral hepatitis, including hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E, haven’t been found in any of the cases, according to the WHO.
No other risk factors have been identified, including links to international travel, the WHO said.
Additional testing for other infections, chemicals and toxins is under way in the affected countries, which have also initiated enhanced surveillance.
5. WHAT IS AN ADENOVIRUS?
They are common viruses that cause a range of illnesses, including cold-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia and diarrhoea.
There are more than 50 types that can infect humans. While they most commonly cause respiratory symptoms, they can also lead to gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis and bladder infections.
Adenovirus type 41 typically causes diarrhoea, vomiting and fever, often accompanied by respiratory symptoms. It isn’t known to cause hepatitis in healthy children.
6. IS THIS A KNOWN DISEASE?
It is possible that the severe hepatitis is an existing, though rare, result of an adenovirus infection that is being detected more often now thanks to enhanced testing, the WHO said.
Adenovirus infections have been on the rise recently after falling to low levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially making young children more susceptible.
The possible emergence of a novel adenovirus must also be investigated, the WHO said.
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