Severe Hepatitis Spike in Children Linked to Dogs, But Here Are The Facts – ScienceAlert
The recent spike in cases of sudden, severe hepatitis in children around the world has been widely reported. Recently, several news outlets have highlighted a possible link between cases and contacts with pet dogs.
However, the data suggesting this link is extremely weak – in fact, probably a lot weaker than most of the alternative hypotheses that have been proposed.
The spike in hepatitis cases in children was first noticed in the UK, but has now been reported in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Although the numbers worldwide are still very low, the disease has been severe and some children have needed a liver transplant.
At least 11 children have died, and there are suggestions that it may continue for some time.
Hepatitis in humans is normally caused either by toxicity, such as a...