While it is still unknown why there has been a spike in cases globally, Easterbrook said a strong correlation has been found with adenovirus, a common ailment that typically features cold or flu-like symptoms. Over 70 per cent of the U.K.’s cases tested positive for adenovirus.
Easterbrook said adenovirus type 41 was most common among the cases, which typically causes diarrhea, vomiting and fever, as well as respiratory symptoms, according to the WHO. She said more data from the U.K. will hopefully come within the week to see whether the adenovirus is a correlation or causal.
COVID-19 was also detected in 18 per cent of the U.K. cases and the WHO is investigating how many of the total hepatitis cases previously had the virus. “An important consideration is the role of COVID, either as a co-infection or past infection,” Easterbrook said.Health Matters: Unraveling a mysterious liver disease – Apr 20, 2022
The WHO is currently working closely with all regions in its active investigation, and is co-ordinating with the U.K. Health Security Agency.Hepatitis impacts the liver and can be detected by the onset of jaundice , dark urine and/or pale stool. Five children have died so far in the U.S. and there have been at least three deaths in Indonesia from the illness.