The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 100 children have contracted a mysterious disease that impacts the liver.
Last week, the CDC announced it was investigating the illness and issued a health advisory to doctors and clinics.
The so-called hepatitis cases have now been reported in 25 states — most of the 100 cases have resulted in hospitalization. Tragically, five deaths are reported.
Cases were first reported a month ago in Alabama. The spread of the disease is alarming.
The CDC reports that the cause of the hepatitis, or liver inflammation, is not clear but might be associated with a type of adenovirus. Importantly, the CDC notes that it does not believe COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccines cause the hepatitis as most of the affected children were not vaccinated.
Further, the CDC reports that the well-known viruses associated with hepatitis A, B and C are unrelated to the illness.
Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a Mayo Clinic pediatric infectious diseases specialist, spoke recently about hepatitis and said:
“Hepatitis is just a term that refers to inflammation of the liver. There can be many different causes. In kids, the most common causes are infections—usually viral infections. But it can also be caused by certain medications; certain immune system issues like autoimmune hepatitis, for example; or exposure to certain toxins.”
According to The Epoch Times, Rajapakse noted that hepatitis symptoms are associated with “the liver not being able to do its job properly” and often is accompanied by a “yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes.”
Rajapakse added: “Kids may also complain of abdominal pain, so especially in the right upper part of the abdomen, which is where the liver sits, they may have pain specifically there. But it can be anywhere in the abdomen. You might notice dark urine or light-colored stool.”
The CDC is currently investigating cases in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.
As of May 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported about 228 possible child hepatitis cases, with more under investigation in about 20 countries.
The first cases were reported to the WHO by the United Kingdom. The UK identified 163 cases as of May 6.
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