Resources on unexplained severe hepatitis in multiple countries

Daniel R. Lucey, MD, MPH, FIDSA

5/4/2022

The links below to online reports concerning the more than 200 cases of unexplained severe hepatitis in more than 15 nations are intended to provide information on this very concerning epidemic recognized so far in persons 1 month to 16 years of age. Almost certainly there are nonsevere cases that exceed in number these serious cases that currently are the focus of the case definition. Thus, the total number of severe and nonsevere cases can be anticipated to be in the many thousands.

This reference resource below could serve as a starting point for an “evergreen” document that can be updated as more information appears in the coming days, weeks and months.

CDC Health Advisory

“Recommendations for Adenovirus Testing and Reporting of Children with Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Etiology” (April 21)

CDC MMWR

“Acute Hepatitis and Adenovirus Infection Among Children — Alabama, October 2021–February 2022” (April 29)

Alabama Department of Health

“Investigations of nine young children with adenovirus are underway” (April 15)

World Health Organization

“Acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology – the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” (Disease Outbreak News #1, April 15)

“Multi-Country – Acute, severe hepatitis of unknown origin in children” (Disease Outbreak News #2, April 23)

U.K. Health Security Agency

“Guidance: Increase in acute hepatitis cases of unknown aetiology in children” (April 8)

“Increase in hepatitis (liver inflammation) cases in children under investigation” (April 29, updated multiple times April 6-29)