An outbreak of acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children has prompted global investigations, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting cases in 12 countries, including the UK, Ireland, the US, Israel, the Netherlands, Romania, Japan, and Canada. The UK flagged an unusual rise in severe cases on 5 April, primarily in healthy children under 10.
As of the latest reports, approximately 200 cases have been recorded worldwide, with 114 in the UK. Affected children range from one month to 16 years old. One child has died, and around 10% of cases have required liver transplants. The WHO noted that many children experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting, followed by jaundice.
Standard hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E) have been ruled out. Adenovirus was detected in over 70 children, and COVID-19 in 20. However, the WHO stated that adenovirus type 41, found in many cases, is not typically linked to severe hepatitis in healthy children. Investigations are examining other potential causes, including environmental factors or novel pathogens.
Dr Andrea Ammon, director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and public health agencies remain on high alert due to the unusual severity of the cases. Clinicians have emphasised that such fulminant hepatitis in previously healthy children is extremely rare.
