450 Hepatitis Cases and 11 Deaths Reported by ECDC on the 11th
Adenovirus Type 41F Likely Cause
"Only 6 Countries Have Reported More Than 5 Cases So Far"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The increase in cases of unexplained pediatric acute hepatitis reported worldwide is becoming clear. In South Korea, one suspected case has been reported, and the number of reported cases has increased by about 200 within a week.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced that as of the 4th, 237 cases of pediatric acute hepatitis had been recorded in 19 countries, but by the 10th, this number had risen to 416 cases in 24 countries. The number of deaths also increased from 4 on the 4th to 8 on the 10th. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reported 450 hepatitis cases and 11 deaths as of the 11th, which is higher than the domestic figures. Currently, there is no real-time reporting system for this hepatitis similar to that for COVID-19.
Unexplained pediatric acute hepatitis was first reported in the UK on the 5th of last month and has since been confirmed in various countries worldwide. In South Korea, a surveillance system has been established for early detection, and cases meeting the case definition are classified for reporting. The criteria include: ▲ pediatric and adolescent patients aged 16 or younger who visited with acute hepatitis since May 2022 ▲ AST or ALT levels exceeding 500 IU/L ▲ cases not caused by viral hepatitis types A, B, C, or E, which are considered suspected unexplained acute hepatitis. The main symptoms known so far include jaundice, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The adenovirus 41F type is strongly suspected as the cause. Adenovirus 41F is a common virus found in the environment and is known to cause colds and gastroenteritis. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently reported that adenovirus was detected in 72% of tested patients. However, since hepatitis caused by adenovirus is generally rare, UKHSA explained that investigations into other factors are ongoing. The same analysis found COVID-19 in 18% of hepatitis patients, prompting further investigation into a possible connection.
International organizations and health authorities all deny any link between COVID-19 vaccines and pediatric acute hepatitis. The UK COVID-19 vaccination committee explained, "Vaccination is not recommended for children under 5 years old, yet over 75% of hepatitis patients are under 5." The World Health Organization (WHO) and the KDCA also emphasized that there is no association between COVID-19 vaccines and this hepatitis. Lee Sang-won, head of epidemiological investigation and analysis at the Central Disease Control Headquarters, stated, "Considering age and the global situation, unexplained pediatric acute hepatitis does not appear to be related to vaccination."
Overseas experts advise that it is not yet a stage to be greatly concerned about unexplained pediatric acute hepatitis. Dr. Philippa Easterbrook of WHO, when asked whether the increase in reported pediatric acute hepatitis cases is worrisome, replied, "It is important to emphasize that currently only six countries have reported more than five cases." Mira Chand, Clinical and Emerging Infections Lead at UKHSA, said, "Parents should know that the likelihood of their children developing hepatitis is very low," adding, "It is important for everyone to be vigilant about hepatitis symptoms such as jaundice and to seek medical attention if symptoms appear."
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