Japan has detected its first probable case of a mysterious disease that has affected over 170 children, mostly in Britain, as health experts explore its possible links to Covid-19.
Japan's Health Ministry said Tuesday that a child had been hospitalized with a type of severe acute hepatitis that is thought to be the first reported case in Asia.
169 cases of the disease have been detected in 11 countries as of April 23, according to the World Health Organization. The majority of them have been in the U.K., followed by Spain, Israel and the U.S. Japan is the 12th country to identify a case.
One child has died and 17 have required transplants.
More cases will likely be detected before the cause can be determined, according to the WHO.
The most affected children so far are five years old or younger, though there have been cases in children one month to 16 years old.
There are a number of common symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and yellow skin and eyes.
The outbreak was first reported in the U.K. in January of 2022, and health experts are trying to determine if it is related to the coronaviruses.
They are looking at if a lack of prior exposure to commonviruses known as adenoviruses, or a previous infection with Covid-19, may be related. It is possible that the genetic make-up of hepatitis may have changed, making it easier to cause inflammation.
Experts say there is no link to the vaccine.
Typically, children gain exposure — and immunity — to adenoviruses and other common illnesses during their early childhood years. However, pandemic restrictions largely limited that early exposure.According to the U.K. Health Security Agency, the most probable cause is a strain of adenoviruses called F41.
Information gathered through our investigations suggests that the sudden rise in sudden onset hepatitis in children is linked to adenoviruses. Meera Chand, UKHSA's director of clinical and emerging infections, said that they are thoroughly investigating other potential causes.
In the U.K., adenoviruses was found in 40 of 53 confirmed cases.
There were 20 cases of Covid identified globally. There were 19 cases where the co-infection was detected.
The new case from Japan was negative for both adenoviruses and coronaviruses.
Children gain exposure to adenoviruses and other common illnesses during their early childhood years. The early exposure was limited by the restrictions of the swine flu.
The mild symptoms of adenoviruses include a sore throat. Some strains can show a favoring of the liver tissue, which can lead to more serious consequences.
It's not yet clear how serious this outbreak will be, and how much it will spread over the coming months, according to Dr. Amy Edwards, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine.
Adenoviruses are not seasonal and are ubiquitous. It is very concerning if this is a more severe form of adenoviruses. She told CNBC that it is isolated enough and few enough cases not to jump to conclusions.
The health authorities were placed on alert and would be watching the situation.
Parents and guardians should be alert to the signs of hepatitis, including jaundice, dark urine, itchy skin and stomach pain, and contact a health care professional if they are concerned.
Thorough hand washing and good respiratory hygiene can help to reduce the spread of many common infections.
She said that children should not return to school or nursery until 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.
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