WHO data show that approximately 650 cases have been reported worldwide of acute hepatitis with unknown aetiology.
Spain has registered 30 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origins since the beginning of this year, a fresh situation report from the country’s Health Ministry shows.
This mysterious disease has mostly affected children under 10 years old, and 24 patients are below 10. The ministry said that none of the victims are related and no epidemiological connections have been established.
“It is necessary to continue intensive monitoring and continue investigations carried out to confirm or rule out whether there is an increase in cases of unknown hepatitis compared to what is expected,”On Friday, the ministry admitted that there was no way to know if the number of cases had risen above its normal baseline.
According to the situation report, the first patient showed symptoms January 2. According to the situation report, the first patient had symptoms on January 2. The illness was reported as acute liver disease by several countries in Europe and the USA.
According to latest statistics from the World Health Organization, approximately 650 cases have been reported of this disease in children between April 5th through May 26th. An additional 99 cases are being investigated.
According to the UN Health Watchdog, acute liver disease has been identified in 33 countries so far. However, scientists around the world are still trying to determine its cause.
“The aetiology of this severe acute hepatitis remains unknown and under investigation; the cases are more clinically severe and a higher proportion develops acute liver failure compared with previous reports of acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children,”The WHO stated Friday.
The watchdog urged its members to ramp up research into the hepatitis’ nature and causes, noting that it remains unclear whether the number of reported cases is abnormal or remains within the usual baseline.
“Member States are strongly encouraged to identify, investigate and report potential cases fitting the case definition above,”The WHO stated. “Whole blood, serum, urine, stool, respiratory and liver biopsy (if available) samples should be undertaken for all cases meeting the case definition.”
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