Health officials in the UK say they are focusing on a possible adenovirus link to cases of severe hepatitis—or liver inflammation—in children.
There have been at least 169 cases of “acute hepatitis of unknown origin” recorded worldwide, and one death, while 10 children in the UK alone have needed liver transplants.
Hepatitis can be life-threatening if left untreated.
The cause of the spike in cases among children remains unknown, but British health officials say a strain of adenovirus called F41 could be the most probable cause.
Adenovirus, a viral infection that usually causes the common cold, was detected in 75 percent of the confirmed cases tested, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said in a statement on Monday.
…