The number of adenovirus infections that cause acute hepatitis in young children has increased dramatically in many countries. Adenoviruses usually cause respiratory disease, and only attack the liver when the immune system is weakened, but healthy children are now seriously ill.

Is there a return to “normality” due to vaccinations? How threatening are the various mutations in the virus? Should we fear another wave of epidemics? In our series, you will find everything you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic.

The number of cases of acute hepatitis among young children is increasing in the United States and many European countries – Qubit Books Based on an article by Reuters. More than 130 cases have been identified since January, of which 108 are from the UK, but the phenomenon has also been reported in the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark and Israel. All affected children were younger than 10 years old.

See also  Would you live in a city 170 kilometers long and 200 meters wide, in a building 500 meters high? It is already under construction

The 130 cases alone would not be alarming, geneticist Zolt Boldogkoy told Hirado, but cases suddenly intensified and the vast majority of them appeared in Great Britain. At the moment, it is doubtful whether the pathogen will spread and cause an epidemic, but the novelty of this “pre-pandemic” is certainly remarkable.

According to Boldogkői, the situation is new because experts have concluded that it is not one of the viruses that causes hepatitis so far, but an adenovirus that usually causes respiratory symptoms. It can usually attack the liver, but this is common in children who are immunocompromised, not healthy children. The problem now is that it attacks the livers of healthy children and causes severe symptoms.

One possible explanation for the researchers is that during a pandemic, isolation weakens children’s immune systems and may make them more sensitive to infection.




HVG

Order HVG weekly on paper or digital and read us anywhere, anytime!


HVG announces a support program to help guide the next generation. We want to provide regular opportunities to talented young people who often live with you in difficult circumstances.

We are looking for supporters, Lanterns, who consider it important to shine a light on the next generation. With your support in the Lantern program, you are offering a discounted subscription to hvg360 to a young person who is eligible for one year.

See also  Austria is chasing after the European Union because of natural gas and nuclear power