In recent weeks, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported an outbreak of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) in children around the world, including the US, UK, Ireland, Spain and France.
However, this has fueled speculation on conspiracy websites such as The Expose, claiming a link between vaccine launches and hepatitis.
Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images
the claim
In an article published on April 22, 2022, The Expose stated that there is evidence linking COVID-19 vaccines to the recent increase in hepatitis cases among children.
The article suggests that one such Pfizer study “proves that injected mRNA accumulates in the liver and causes hepatitis.”
The claim has spread on social media alongside pre-existing anti-vaccine or skeptical narratives, and not only in English but also in Spanish and German.
Autoimmune hepatitis after mandatory product. More reports like this one are coming from Bril et al UAB. Needing the history of when it was given for all cases of hepatitis that occur will help narrow down the differential diagnosis and start therapy. Avoid additional doses. pic.twitter.com/bXRaYdmmTd
— Peter McCullough, MD MPH (@P_McCulloughMD) April 26, 2022
“Young children injected with a dangerous experimental drug known to cause inflammation of certain organs such as the heart and liver suddenly develop hepatitis.
Scientists say that this mysterious event is due to confinement.”Yes, that makes sense.
— Bob Moran (@bobscartoons) April 26, 2022
Why are the prosecutors not asking for arrest warrants against those responsible for this genocide? https://t.co/6B9GZgjZYj
WHO issues Global Alert on a new form of Hepatitis in Children; Pfizer study shows that the cause is the Covid vaccine.
– BEATRIZ MEJÍA MORI (@beatrizmejiamor) April 25, 2022
The facts
While the scale of the outbreak differs around the world, World Health Organization (WHO) says it has received reports of a total of 169 cases in 12 countries in the WHO European and American regions.
In the US, severe hepatitis is suspected in three children in Illinois as of April 26, 2022; In total there are 11 cases registered in the States so far, nine by the WHO and two by the health authorities of North Carolina.
Globally, the majority of cases have been reported in the UK. On April 25, 2022, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the total number of confirmed cases was 111.
The UKHSA said none of the confirmed cases in children under 10 were vaccinated, stating: “There is no link with the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.” The WHO has also said that the vast majority of affected children have not been vaccinated.
UKHSA added that the cases were predominantly among children under five, with initial symptoms of gastroenteritis, followed by the onset of jaundice. The age threshold in the UK for the first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine is 5 years and older. People over 16 years of age and some children 12 to 15 years of age may also receive a booster dose.
Instead, initial investigations into the hepatitis outbreak point to adenovirus as a possible cause. Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that can cause a variety of illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throats, and inflammation of the stomach.
In tests, the UKHSA said adenovirus was the most common pathogen, detected in 75 per cent of the 53 confirmed cases. Another 16 percent of cases tested positive for COVID-19.
Dr. Meera Chand, Director of Clinical and Emerging Infections at UKHSA, said in a statement emailed to news week: “Information gathered through our investigations increasingly suggests that this increase in sudden-onset hepatitis in children is related to adenovirus infection. However, we are fully investigating other potential causes.”
She added that parents and guardians should be alert to the signs of hepatitis (including jaundice) and contact a health professional if they are concerned.
“Normal hygiene measures, such as good handwashing (including supervision of children) and thorough respiratory hygiene, help reduce the spread of many common infections, including adenovirus,” Chand said.
“Children experiencing symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection, including vomiting and diarrhea, should stay home and not return to school or day care until 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.”
The WHO has stated that while adenovirus is a likely underlying cause, it “does not fully explain the severity of the clinical picture.”
He added: “Factors such as increased susceptibility among young children following a lower level of adenovirus circulation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the possible emergence of a new adenovirus, as well as SARS-CoV-2 co-infection, should be reviewed. further investigated.”
So where does the unsubstantiated claim about COVID-19 vaccines originate from?
In its article, The Expose cited research examining the link between COVID-19 vaccines and the liver.
One study, conducted in rats (with relatively much higher concentrations than a typical human dose) found a high concentration of lipid particles from the Pfizer vaccine detected in the liver after injection.
While observations and studies on the long-term effects of various COVID-19 vaccines will continue for a few years, health authorities around the world affirm that WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective .
failure
False.
There is no evidence of a link between COVID-19 vaccines and hepatitis cases in children. As the UKHSA and WHO state, no link has been established between vaccines and hepatitis, as most cases are in people who have not been vaccinated. Researchers and scientists say they are still trying to find the underlying cause or causes for this rise in cases, though early tests suggest a type of adenovirus may be involved.
NEWSWEEK FACT CHECK
Reference-www.newsweek.com