Around 200 cases have been reported globaly, in children aged from one month to 16 years old. This is still a very rare disease, but the sharp rise has caused concern among scientists. The u.K. Health security agency and others are investigating possible causes. As we collectively step out of lock downs, other virus s are on the rise,. again, alongside covid so what do scientists think is going on? And how concerned should we be? I mean, sample the guardian science edator, and this is science weekly.
Over the past few weeks, countries around the world have reported an unexpected increase in the number of children with hepatitis. So far about 200 cases have been reported. More than half have come from the UK, but there have also been reports from Spain, Japan and the US, among others. Although this is still a very rare disease, it is severe, with 10% of affected children needing a liver transplant. So what might explain this unusual rise? Guardian science editor Ian Sample speaks to Prof Deirdre Kelly about the current theories as to what could be happening, and how concerned we should be. Help support our independent journalism at
theguardian.com/sciencepod