CDC investigates 180 cases of unexplained hepatitis in children
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating 180 cases of children who suddenly developed severe hepatitis across 36 states and territories. This figure includes five deaths as well
• The latest figure is an increase of 71 cases since the last update
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating 180 cases of children who suddenly developed severe hepatitis across 36 states and territories. This figure includes five deaths as well.
The latest figure is an increase of 71 cases since the public health agency’s last update earlier this month.
On Wednesday, the CDC reported that 180 children had developed unexplained, severe liver inflammation. Most patients are under age 5.
Despite the increase, the agency said that there is no indication the number of hepatitis cases are truly rising. Investigators have been reviewing cases reported over the past seven months. Hepatitis refers to liver inflammation, which can have many causes.
The CDC lowered the percentage of children who have been sick enough to receive a liver transplant, from nearly 15% to 9%, reported CNBC.
The cause remains unknown, but investigators suspect an adenovirus may play a role.
Source: CNBC
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