Wednesday 18 May 2022 11:13 PM CDC 71 new cases of mysterious pediatric hepatitis trends now

Wednesday 18 May 2022 11:13 PM CDC 71 new cases of mysterious pediatric hepatitis trends now
Wednesday 18 May 2022 11:13 PM CDC 71 new cases of mysterious pediatric hepatitis trends now

Wednesday 18 May 2022 11:13 PM CDC 71 new cases of mysterious pediatric hepatitis trends now

Another 71 cases of the mysterious hepatitis are being probed in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed Wednesday.

No further deaths were reported over the two weeks since the last report, but previously the CDC revealed it was probing five fatalities in the outbreak — with one in Wisconsin

One more child has required a liver transplant, bringing the national tally for patients needing this procedure to 16.

A total of 180 cases of the mysterious hepatitis have now been linked to the outbreak across 35 states, with all patients 10 years old or younger.

This is the most out of any nation in the world with the UK, which first detected the outbreak, having the second-highest total at 163 cases.

The CDC said the 'vast majority' of these patients were retrospective, and came to hospitals before May but have only just been diagnosed with the mysterious disease.

Scientists are puzzled as to what is causing the outbreak, but CDC officials say adenoviruses — which can cause the common cold — remain a 'strong lead' with nearly half of patients testing positive for them.

Other theories suggest a previous Covid infection, a mutation in adenoviruses or even exposure to pet dogs could be triggering the illness.

All the normal causes of the illness — hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E — have been ruled out.

The CDC today said another 71 cases of the mysterious hepatitis had been spotted in the U.S., taking the tally to 180. They are in 35 states (shown above)

 The CDC today said another 71 cases of the mysterious hepatitis had been spotted in the U.S., taking the tally to 180. They are in 35 states (shown above)

At least 12 children have now died from the mysterious hepatitis worldwide, with five fatalities also reported in Indonesia and one each in Ireland and Palestine.

Today's announcement by the U.S. takes the global tally to at least 520 cases across 21 countries, mostly among children under 10 years old.

CDC officials said they were continuing to probe all possible causes of the mysterious hepatitis outbreak.

Q&A: What is the mysterious global hepatitis outbreak and what is behind it? 

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that is usually caused by a viral infection or liver damage from drinking alcohol. 

Some cases resolve themselves, with no ongoing issues, but a fraction can be deadly, forcing patients to need liver transplants to survive.

What are the symptoms?

People who have hepatitis generally have fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools and joint pain.

They may also suffer from jaundice — when the skin and whites of the eyes turn yellow. 

Why are experts concerned?

Hepatitis is usually rare in children, but experts have already spotted more cases in the current outbreak than they would normally expect in a year.

Cases are of an 'unknown origin' and are also severe, according to the World Health Organization. 

What are the top theories? 

Co-infection

Experts say the cases may be linked to adenovirus, commonly associated with colds, but further research is ongoing.

This, in combination with Covid infections, could be causing the spike in cases. 

Around three-quarters of British cases have tested positive for the virus. 

Weakened immunity

British experts tasked with investigating the spate of illnesses believe the endless cycle of lockdowns may have played a contributing role.

Restrictions may have weakened children's immunity because of reduced social mixing, leaving them at heightened risk of adenovirus. 

This means even 'normal' adenovirus could be causing the severe outcomes, because children are not responding to it how they did in the past. 

Adenovirus mutation

Other scientists said it may have been

read more from dailymail.....

NEXT Health service initiative offers patients a chance to see a GP on the same day ... trends now