Spain has recorded 30 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin since the beginning of this year, according to a new case report released by the country’s Ministry of Health.
The mysterious disease mainly affects young children, with 24 of the patients under 10 years of age. The ministry indicated that none of the patients were related to each other, with no epidemiological link between the cases.
On Friday, the ministry indicated that “it is necessary to continue intensive monitoring and continue the investigations conducted to confirm or rule out whether there is an increase in cases of unknown hepatitis compared to expected,” and acknowledged that it is still unclear whether to cross the line. the cases.The common basis or not.
Symptoms appeared in the first patient on Jan. 2, according to the case report. The results indicate that the disease appeared before the beginning of April, when cases of chronic hepatitis were reported mainly in some European countries, as well as in the United States.
According to the latest figures from the World Health Organization, between April 5 and May 26, 650 suspected cases of the disease were reported in children. Another 99 cases are being investigated.
The United Nations health watchdog says chronic hepatitis has been detected in 33 countries so far, adding that scientists around the world have not yet identified its causes.
The World Health Organization said on Friday: “The etiology of this severe chronic hepatitis is still unknown and is under investigation; the cases were clinically more severe and had a higher proportion of progression to acute liver failure compared with previous reports of acute idiopathic hepatitis. For the kids “.
The agency urged its members to intensify research into the nature and cause of hepatitis, noting that it was not yet clear whether the number of reported cases was abnormal or within the usual baseline.
“Member States are strongly encouraged to identify, investigate and report possible cases that fit the definition of the case above. A biopsy of whole blood, serum, urine, feces, respiratory tract and liver (if applicable) should be taken. for all cases that meet the case definition. , ”Who said.
Source: RT
Source: Arabic RT
