Investigation of an outbreak of novel hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children and adolescents, Ireland, 2021 to 2023.

ABSTRACT: An outbreak of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children (HUAC) was reported by the United Kingdom (UK) in spring 2022. Within days, a corresponding increase was identified in Ireland. A multi-agency incident management team (IMT), led by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), established a national case definition, trawling questionnaire, testing protocol and communications plan. Between 1 October 2021 and 12 May 2023, 44 probable and three possible cases of HUAC were identified in Ireland with a median age of 3 years. Adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2), detected in 18 of 31 probable cases, and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 22 of 37 of probable cases were the most common infectious agents, followed by human herpes virus 7 (18/33) and adenovirus (20/44). Immunological find

SUBMITTER: Liddy E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11987496 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature