Hepatitis Cases in Kids Have Scientists Hunting for Answers

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April 28, 2022 Hepatitis Cases in Kids Have Scientists Hunting for Answers By Grace Browne In January 2022, doctors in Scotland noticed a worrying trend: a scattering of cases of severe hepatitis in kids between 1 and 5 years old. The children were presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms—abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting—followed by the onset of jaundice. To see such acute hepatitis (a broad term that essentially describes inflammation of the liver) in young, previously healthy children was highly unusual—and a cause for concern.    By April 5, the Scottish health authorities had recorded 11 cases. Unable to pin down their cause, they notified the World Health Organization, kicking off a global investigation that has left health authorities searching for answers.    Cases were immediately picked up across Europe— in Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Ireland, Romania, and Spain—as well as in Israel and the US. On April 12, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control instructed its hepatitis network to keep an eye out for further cases fitting the description. Since then, case counts have continued growing. The UK has now reached a total of 114 cases, with 10 children requiring a liver transplant. In total, at least 190 cases have been logged in at least 12 countries. One child has died.    But experts still aren't sure what is responsible for these cases.  Read the full story on WIRED   Right-Wing Trolls Are Trying to Break Back Into Twitter By Chris Stokel-Walker Elon Musk's "free speech" promise is igniting an extremist revival, but the "replatforming" has only just begun. Today's job picks Lead Product Owner Dyson Apply now Studio Concierge Peloton Apply now Get the latest issue of WIRED   Telegram bills itself as the anti-censorship communication app for free thinkers. But is it really a force for good?                                          Also in this issue... The Dutch startup that's building biodegradable coffins Can Icelandic stone trap enough CO2 to fix the climate? Elevating the ordinary – WIRED's design special An assault course for the automated   Subscribe for £19 a year Unsubscribe  |  View this email in your browser  Queries about this email? Contact datacontroller@condenast.co.uk Condé Nast Publications 1 Hanover Square, London W1S 1JU © The Condé Nast Publications Ltd Our Privacy Policy