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Explainer | What is the mystery hepatitis affecting children around the world?
- 20 countries have reported acute liver inflammation in young patients, many of them previously healthy
- Health experts are investigating several possibilities, including Covid-19 and the common viruses that cause colds and flu-like illnesses
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Scientists are racing to understand the cause of an acute liver inflammation which has left at least nine children dead and affected hundreds of others in 20 countries in just over a month.
More than 348 cases of the mystery hepatitis strain have been reported, with some children needing liver transplants. Most patients were previously healthy.
Hepatitis is uncommon among children and testing has ruled out the five known hepatitis viruses. Several hypotheses are being considered – including whether the illnesses are related to Covid-19.
Some progress has been made in refining the investigation in recent weeks, as health experts try to uncover the cause of the cases. Here is what scientists know so far and what steps they are taking to identify the mystery hepatitis.
How many cases have been identified?
The first cases were reported to the World Health Organization in early April, after 10 previously healthy children aged up to five years old were diagnosed with acute hepatitis in central Scotland.
A WHO investigation soon found further cases in Britain and 11 other countries.
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