Since the outbreak of unexplained severe acute hepatitis in children was first detected in April, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recorded over 1,000 probable cases in 35 countries.
With 484 cases recorded in 21 European countries, almost half of the probable cases were reported in Europe, with 272 cases registered in the United Kingdom, followed by 435 cases in the Americas out of which 334 were recorded in the US alone.
WHO presented data that shows 1,010 cases were recorded as of July 8 along with 22 mortalities, cautioning, however, that the actual number of cases may be underestimated due to the limited enhanced surveillance systems.
As more information and verified data become available, the case count is expected to change, and the United Nations health agency added that the risk of this pediatric hepatitis outbreak spreading is moderate.
In addition to dealing with the COVID-19 and monkeypox outbreaks, the WHO has been keeping a close eye on the issue after dozens of previously healthy children have been left in need of liver transplants as a result of the spread of the mysterious virus.
The results of the affected children who underwent laboratory testing after experiencing general weakness, nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice, showed no hepatitis A to E in their system, underscoring that the most frequently detected pathogen were adenoviruses which causes a wide range of illnesses like fever, colds, pneumonia, and sore throats.
The UN health body said that it is challenging to assess whether the rates are higher than the expected rates in the population due to limited adenovirus surveillance in most countries.
Data shows that the average time between exhibiting symptoms and hospitalization was four days and that in some cases, coronavirus was detected in sick children.
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