Mystery solved! Child hepatitis linked to lockdown conditions

Scientists in the UK claim to have finally cracked the origin of the mysterious outbreak of liver disease that has been affecting young children around the globe.

The research team from the University College of London discovered that the lack of exposure of the children to two common adenoviruses may be linked to acute hepatitis.

The reason behind this lack of exposure? Long months of lockdown, probably. NBC News points out that this adds credence to the idea that quarantine has reduced public immunity to several common illnesses.

However, scientists highlight that there's no connection between Covid-19 and the acute liver disease affecting children.

The World Health Organization revealed on July 13 that the mysterious child hepatitis reported back in April has surpassed 1,000 reported cases in 35 countries.

The press release highlighted that 21 of the 35 countries are in Europe, where over 480 cases have been registered.

So far, over 20 children have not survived the acute, unexplained liver inflammation.

A new study by a team of Israeli scientists speculates on a link between mysterious hepatitis that has been affecting children and the after-effects of Long Covid.

However, researchers admit that it's too early to tell how much Covid-19 is a factor in the mysterious ailment, according to NBC's The Today Show.

The World Health Organization had reported at least 700 cases of the mysterious strain investigated in over 30 countries as of June 2022.

The World Health Organization warned back in April that severe hepatitis of unknown origin has been detected among children of different countries.

However, what is truly concerning is that this hepatitis is very damaging, requiring liver transplants for its patients.

Image: Camilo Jiménez / Unsplash

Those affected the most by this hepatitis of unknown origin? Kids between the ages of one month and 16 years.

Among the most affected countries are Spain, Israel, the United States, Canada, Denmark, and Ireland. The UK alone, according to Forbes in June, had over 250 cases.

The WHO warns that 10% of the cases have required a liver transplant. This is not regular hepatitis.

Image: Piron Guillaume / Unsplash

The World Health Organization has had to dismiss rumors that the hepatitis was somehow related to Covid-19 vaccines.

One of the arguments against this theory is that people that young children have generally not been vaccinated as much as adults have.

The experts are trying to answer is if this is a new type of adenovirus that has created a new version of hepatitis. Scientists and the World Health Organization are still confused.

An adenovirus variant, known as F type 41, has been found in many of those affected. However, doctors are baffled, since this subtype of adenovirus has caused such severe effects before.

Therefore, a new subtype of adenovirus might have surged or, maybe, a stronger reaction to a previously existing adenovirus. Some theorized this could have become risky as a consequence of the time children and adults have been isolated from pathogens during the lockdown.

Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=814098

The BBC reported that the UK's National Health Security Agency suspected that the adenovirus might be linked to small children affected by the lack of contact with common viruses during their development under the lockdown.

Image: Oxana Melis / Unsplash

Some medical professionals from Israel, one of the countries with the most cases, believe that there might be a link between Covid-19 and this aggressive, new type of hepatitis.

Pediatrician Yael Mozer-Glassberg stated to Hareetz: “The common denominator in all the cases we found was that all had come down with the coronavirus around three and a half months before the infection appeared”.

So far, the connection between Covid-19 and child hepatitis has been hard to prove. However, it's important to remember that the coronavirus leaves aftereffects beyond the lungs, such as the heart and the brain.

What is important is to keep an eye on children in case any signs of hepatitis show up. Which are these symptoms?

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The signs include general discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, and, more importantly, well-known jaundice that causes yellow skin and that usually means there's something wrong with the liver. The last one can be seen in the eyes before the rest of the body. Better go to the doctor in case of noticing any of these symptoms.

The United Kingdom health system has commented that this specific type of child hepatitis shows very acute gastrointestinal symptoms, though not in all cases. This is something that is important to pay attention to the health of the youngest individuals.

Hepatitis is mainly related to oral-fecal contamination. Hygienic rules, such as washing hands, are important to avoid disease.

Usually, hepatitis patients respond well to the treatment, though, sometimes a liver transplant is necessary.

Image: Marcelo Leal / Unsplash

Now we know much better about the mysterious child hepatitis affecting children all over the world. However, this doesn't mean we can't be too careful when it comes it disease.