Deena Bearsley

(Reuters) – Recent cases of severe hepatitis from unknown origin among children have resulted at least in six deaths. Officials with the U.S. Health Department stated that it is likely to be caused by adenovirus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stated that 180 cases found in 36 US states and territories between October and now are evidence of an increase in pediatric hepatitis rates. They also continue to look into whether an existing pattern or improved detection has revealed it.

In April, the agency issued a national alert to doctors asking them to look out for children suffering from hepatitis. This can lead to liver disease and even liver failure.

Jay Butler, CDC deputy Director for Infectious Diseases, stated that approximately half the children who were diagnosed with the virus in the last month had also been infected. However, the agency continues to investigate the cause.

His statement was: “Evidence is building that there’s a role in adenovirus, specifically adenovirus-41/,”

Butler suggested that one possibility is that pandemic-prevention measures might have reduced exposure to the adenovirus. This could lead to an increase in infection rates as people are disengaged from other attempts to reduce their vulnerability.

Hepatitis caused by this type of adenovirus is almost always associated with children who are immunocompromised, although many cases that were first reported to CDC didn’t have these conditions.

The CDC also investigates whether COVID infection might be a factor, in addition to other pathogens as well as medications and risk factors.

According to the agency, there has been no increase in severe liver disease in children since the beginning of the pandemic. In fact, it is still rare, with only about 1500-2,000 cases being identified each year.

Officials at the CDC stated that they will continue working with their counterparts in Europe. They are particularly pleased to hear from officials in the UK who have identified at most 175 cases.