Thread by @LizHighleyman

.@CDCgov just did another media briefing on pediatric #hepatitis. They're now investigating 180 cases in US Median age 2, most pre-school age. Haven't identified any new factors, adenovirus 41 still leading suspect.
Here's latest report released 5/18:
bit.ly/3LAieTo

CDC's Jay Butler emphasizes pediatric #hepatitis isn't an "outbreak" per se, as in a spike in new cases. Many of cases being investigated are retrospective. Hard to tell if new cases represent an increase over typical level of severe liver disease in kids (~1500-2000 annually).

Umesh Parashar noted survey of 17 European countries in which 5 reported some increase in pediatric #hepatitis over previous epidemiological trends, but 12 did not. And of 7 non-European countries surveyed, only 1 reported an increase.

Investigators are exploring many hypotheses incl cofactors that could make adenovirus more severe, role of post-COVID immune phenomenon (like MIS-C), persistent SARS-CoV-2 in gut triggering broad immune response that damages the liver (the superantigen thing you've heard about).

Fortunately, based on discussion with UK colleagues, the possible link to dogs has been ruled out.

A recording & transcript of @CDCgov pediatric #hepatitis briefing should be available soon on CDC's media website: cdc.gov/media/