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WHO: 1 child died of a mysterious outbreak of liver disease

BERLIN (AP) – The World Health Organization has reported that at least one death has been reported in connection with a mysterious outbreak of liver disease affecting children in Europe and the United States.

The UN Health Agency said late Saturday that it has so far received reports of at least 169 cases of “acute hepatitis of unknown origin” from a dozen countries.

Cases have been reported in children aged one month to 16 years, and 17 of those in need of a liver transplant. The WHO did not say in which country the death occurred.

The first cases were registered in the UK, where 114 children became ill.

“It is not yet clear whether there is an increase in hepatitis cases or an increase in awareness of hepatitis cases, which occur at the expected rate but remain undetected,” the WHO said in a statement.

Experts say the cases may be related to a virus, often linked to the common cold, but further research is ongoing.

“While the adenovirus is a possible hypothesis, investigations into the cause are ongoing,” the WHO said, noting that the virus had been detected in at least 74 cases. At least 20 of the children tested positive for coronavirus.

The WHO said affected countries are stepping up monitoring of hepatitis in children.

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