Global Cases of Unexplained 'Pediatric Acute Hepatitis' Reported... Adenovirus and COVID-19 Confirmed (Update)

First Confirmed in the UK on April 5, Then Detected in 12 Countries Worldwide
Among 169 Cases, 74 Positive for Adenovirus, 20 Positive for COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] It has been confirmed that cases of acute hepatitis of unknown cause have occurred in children overseas. No related cases have been reported domestically yet.

On the 26th, the Central Disease Control Headquarters announced that since March, 169 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown cause have been reported worldwide in children under 16 years old. After the UK first reported the cases on the 5th, cases have been confirmed in 12 countries including the United States and some European countries.

By country, there are 114 cases in the UK, 13 in Spain, 12 in Israel, 9 in the United States, and 6 in Denmark. There has been one reported death due to this hepatitis.

Adenovirus and COVID-19 were detected in some of these cases. At least 74 cases tested positive for adenovirus, and 20 cases tested positive for COVID-19. There were also 19 cases co-infected with both adenovirus and COVID-19.

The known clinical features so far include ▲ a sharp increase in liver enzymes (AST or ALT exceeding 500 IU/L) ▲ abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal symptoms before confirmation of acute hepatitis ▲ negative tests for hepatitis types A, B, C, D, and E.

Lee Sang-won, head of the Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Division at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said, "Although no cases have been reported domestically yet, we plan to strengthen surveillance through cooperation with related academic societies and the medical community."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.