severe acute hepatitis have been reported at the downtown Toronto hospital for children.The hospital said the cases are of “unknown origin” but do meet the “probable case definition to Public Health Ontario between October 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022.”The news comes as there have been international reports concerning children with this illness that cause a sudden severe liver disease, often caused by viruses.
Children impacted so far range in age from one month to 16 years.SickKids Hospital said they are looking out for patients with signs and symptoms of hepatitis such as new onset jaundice (yellow eyes), dark urine and/or pale stool that will require further testing.
They said they are also recommending a lower threshold for referral for specialist care. Canada detects severe hepatitis of ‘unknown origin’ cases in kids.