Multi-country outbreak of severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children, 2022

To describe epidemiological characteristics of multi-country outbreak of severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children in 2022.

A descriptive epidemiological study design was used. The review based on the available information concerning this multi-country outbreak aims to summarise the current knowledge about the severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children, highlights the suggested working hypotheses, introduces some of the potential explanations for its occurrence and reports on public health measures undertaken to control the disease.

Since the first 10 cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children in the United Kingdom on 5 April 2022, and up until the 29 August 2022, more than 1000 probable cases have been reported in 35 countries in the world. Up to today, 22 children died in this multi-country outbreak. Despite the numerous theories that have been suggested on the possible underlying causes of the outbreak, an association with hepatitis A-E viruses has been excluded. Adenovirus serotype 41 has been detected in numerous cases, which makes it the most likely underlying cause of the disease.

Efficient surveillance and comprehension advancements of the epidemiology of this disease are especially important for effective prevention and outbreak response.