Acute, severe hepatitis of unknown origin in children. 10 May 2022

This technical note follows the previous reports regarding the event of acute, severe hepatitis of unknown origin in children disseminated by the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) on 23 April 2022 (two reports)1, 25 April 2022, and 29 April 2022.

This event was first reported by the United Kingdom International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point on 5 April 2022, referring to 10 cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in previously healthy young children (ages ranging from 11 months to 5 years old) in Scotland. To date, 348 probable cases have been reported in 21 countries, with 26 children requiring liver transplantation. Fifteen countries have reported 5 or fewer cases.

For more information, please download this technical note.