Professor of Infectious Diseases at Imperial College London, said: “Mild hepatitis is very common in children following a range of viral infections, but it is currently It’s very different.”

Mysterious surge in hepatitis cases among children in the UK has led to six young people needing liver transplants now in Continental Europe and the US appear

Baffling rise in disease first detected in the UK, where health officials have reported 74 cases in children since January.

The common virus that causes infectious hepatitis was not found in these cases, and scientists and doctors are considering other possible sources, including other viruses and environmental factors.

A potential line of inquiry is whether a group of viruses called adenoviruses may be causing these diseases.

On Tuesday, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said that it is now in Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands and Spain More cases were found.

Meanwhile, nine cases of acute hepatitis were identified in children aged one to six years in Alabama, USA.

Graham Cooke, professor of infectious diseases at Imperial College London, said: “Mild hepatitis is very common in children following a series of viral infections , but what we are seeing is very different.”

Some cases in the UK required specialist care in hepatology, and at least six patients required liver transplants.

In the UK, parents are urged to be vigilant for signs of disease, which in some cases can lead to scarring of the liver or loss of liver function.

Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), dark urine, itchy skin, muscle and joint pain, loss of appetite, and high temperatures are symptoms of hepatitis.

Lab tests underway to determine cause

UK officials stress that the 19 The vaccine was “not linked” because none of the affected children had been vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Lab tests are also being conducted to determine whether chemicals or toxins may be present.

The UN health agency said it is “likely” that more cases will be detected before the cause of the outbreak is determined, given the surge in cases and increased surveillance over the past month.