What’s behind mysterious rise in liver disease among children?

Health experts around the world are investigating a rise in the number of cases of hepatitis, or liver inflammation, in children. The illness was first reported in a small number of children in the United Kingdom between January and April this year, but since then there have been reports of cases across Europe, parts of the United States, and one case in Asia.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of April 21, 2022, at least 169 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin have been reported. Countries reporting cases include the UK, US, Spain, Israel, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, France, Romania and Belgium. On Monday Japan announced its first case, and Canada said it was also investigating reports of similar cases. Globally, the confirmed cases are in patients aged one month to 16 years old. Seventeen children – approximately 10 percent – have required a liver transplant. At least one death has been reported.

While hepatitis in children is not unheard of, the severity of these infections makes them unusual. The fact that these infections are occurring in previously healthy children is also a cause for concern. That some of these children needed a liver transplant makes the case for understanding the cause behind this mystery illness even more urgent.