Japan’s first unexplained childhood hepatitis (Kyodo News)
Following the UK and other places After acute childhood hepatitis in Japan, the first case of unexplained childhood hepatitis also appeared in Japan. The detailed symptoms of the patient have not been disclosed yet. Japan’s “Nikkan Hyundai” analyzed the severe situation caused by the disease on the 28th, and quoted Japanese experts as saying that the cause is likely to be caused by common virus mutations.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the confirmed case in Japan is a child under the age of 16. The patient is currently receiving treatment and has not yet undergone a liver transplant. The World Health Organization previously said that as of the 21st, 169 children in 12 countries have been suffering from this unexplained hepatitis, of which 1 died and 17 were in serious condition requiring liver transplants. At present, the patients with hepatitis infection mainly have symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. UK Health Security said the most likely cause was an adenovirus called F41, but the virus was not detected in nearly half of the 169 children who became ill investigation.
In response to the first case of unexplained hepatitis in Japan, Kimura Kimura, director of the Department of Hepatology of Metropolitan Komagome Hospital, said that adenovirus was originally a very common virus, usually causing mild symptoms such as colds and diarrhea. Symptoms, in most cases, do not cause hepatitis. Half of the 169 children had no detectable adenovirus. Therefore, the possibility of mutation of other viruses or adenoviruses cannot be ruled out. Kimura also said that children should protect themselves from the virus by wearing masks and washing their hands frequently.