Abstract
From Editor’s Desk…

As soon as the United States and thirty-four other nations lifted their COVID-19 lockdowns, a new study from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) enables scientists to determine what caused an outbreak of acute severe hepatitis in otherwise healthy children in spring 2022.

Due to the rarity of pediatric hepatitis, medical professionals became concerned when they began to observe outbreaks of severe hepatitis that could not be explained. So far, there have been nearly 1,000 incidences; of these children, 50 have required liver transplants, and at least 22 have eventually died. Adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) being found in the blood and livers of these children could be the cause.

To determine where cases and liver transplants are higher than expected, WHO has started a global survey to estimate the incidence of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in 2022 compared to the previous five years.

After returning to school, these viruses infected children more easily. Multiple infections may have made a small number of these kids more susceptible to severe hepatitis, according to the study.

Until more is known about the etiology of these cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends implementing general infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, such as:
• Frequently washing your hands with detergent and water or an alcohol-based hand gel
• Staying away from people and avoiding busy areas
• Maintaining adequate airflow while in indoors
• When necessary, wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nostrils.
• Covering sneezes and hiccups
• Drink only safe water
• Important steps to have safer food: 1. Maintain cleanliness; 2. Separate raw and cooked foods 3. Cook food thoroughly 4. Maintain food at safe temperatures 5. Use safe water and raw materials.
• Touched objects should be cleaned regularly.
• Staying home and getting medical care when sick.

Dr. Khalid Mohammed Alabdulwahhab
Editor in Chief