The world has not yet breathed properly after the outbreak of Covid-19, its mutations and monkeypox, a new possible outbreak is knocking the doors.
This time the virus is not a new one nor it has been allegedly designed at any laboratory, its Hepatitis A, a highly contagious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus.
The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause inflammation and affect your liver's ability to function.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) report, about 35 countries have reported 1,010 probable cases of severe acute hepatitis in children, while 22 kids have died from the disease with no cause identified yet.
The WHO has been keeping a close eye on the puzzling spread of hepatitis in previously healthy children, which has left dozens needing life-saving liver transplants.
Since the previous WHO update on June 24, 90 new probable cases and four additional deaths have been reported to WHO.
Additionally, two new countries, Luxembourg and Costa Rica, have reported probable cases.
However, the WHO noted that "the actual number of cases may be underestimated, in part due to the limited enhanced surveillance systems in place".
The agency said that based on the case definition for probable cases, laboratory testing has excluded hepatitis A-E viruses in these children.
Causes:-
A person can contract hepatitis A and E through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis E is also caused by consuming uncooked or undercooked meat. Hepatitis B, C, and D spread when one comes in contact with an infected person’s blood.
Hepatitis B and D can also spread by sharing drug needles or having unprotected sex. The hepatitis B, C, and D may invite acute and chronic, or long-lasting, infections.
Pathogens like adenovirus (209) and SARS-CoV-2 (78) were detected by PCR in a number of cases, although the data reported to WHO are incomplete.
The Hepatitis can be alarming, if not treated properly at time. The favourite playground for this virus to play is liver and liver is one of the most important organs of the body and has many important functions related to the metabolism of the body.
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It can be “self-limiting” or can progress into liver cancer.
Symptoms of Hepatitis:-
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the area of your liver on your right side beneath your lower ribs
- Clay-colored bowel movements
- Loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever
- Dark urine
- Joint pain
- Jaundice
- Intense itching
The average time between the onset of symptoms and hospitalization, is generally four days.