Case numbers of acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology among children in 24 countries up to 18 April 2022 compared to the previous 5 years

Euro Surveill. 2022 May;27(19):2200370. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2022.27.19.2200370.

Abstract

An increase of acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology has been reported among children in multiple countries worldwide. With a rapid online survey among hospitals in and outside of Europe, we describe case numbers recorded from 1 January to 18 April 2022 vs the previous 5 years. Of 24 countries that responded, we identified 5/17 European and 1/7 non-European countries with an elevation in probable cases of unexplained acute hepatitis, and severe cases were elevated in five European countries.

Keywords: acute hepatitis; outbreak; unknown origin.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Child
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis*
  • Humans
  • Surveys and Questionnaires