Two cases of severe hepatitis in children confirmed in Catalonia, three more probable cases

Two serious cases of hepatitis from an unknown cause have been detected in children in Catalonia. There are also three additional probable cases reported. 

The cases were confirmed by Spain’s Center for the Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies on Friday evening. 

It’s now been reported that from January 1 and April 22, up to 13 cases of hepatitis have been detected in children in Spain, between confirmed and suspected cases. 

The Catalan health department previously warned hospitals to be on the lookout for a possible surge in hepatitis in children under the age of 10 after numerous cases were detected in the United Kingdom.

"Most frequently symptoms are not very specific to the condition, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but specific symptoms include jaundice," Cristina Molera, a pediatric hepatologist of Barcelona's Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, explained. Other symptoms include choluria (urine that has been darkened due to the presence of bile), pale stools, or itchy skin.