Mysterious Hepatitis Cases in Children Continue to Rise

Tuesday, May 31st, 2022 -- 11:01 AM

(WBAY) The number of sudden and mysterious hepatitis cases in children continues to rise.

At least 650 cases have been reported worldwide so far, according to the World Health Organization. As of Memorial Day weekend, more than 200 of those were reported in the United States.

Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services has investigated seven reported cases here in the state since October 2021. Early on in the investigation, the state reported two possible cases with severe outcomes.

One child died and another needed a liver transplant. However, those cases are not yet directly linked to the mysterious hepatitis illness... so they are not included in the state’s current investigation. A majority of the cases are in kids under the age of five, too young for a COVID vaccine.

So what is causing this sudden illness that attacks kids’ liver? Common viruses known to cause hepatitis have been ruled out. One theory looks at the adenovirus, a common stomach virus, playing a role. Still, that is questionable.

There is another theory that maybe something is triggering an auto-immune response where a child’s antibodies are attacking the liver. The biggest symptom of concern is yellowing of the skin and eyes, otherwise known as jaundice.

The CDC also urges parents to watch for additional symptoms of liver inflammation: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, and joint pain.

The CDC has a webpage with the most up-to-date information on children with hepatitis of unknown cause.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.