WHO: Warning of "unusual" increase in myocarditis in young children in the UK

According to a press release on the morning of April 6 (Vietnam time) from WHO, although enterovirus infection (excluding polio virus) is a common problem in infants and young children (usually only causing mild, common illness), severe myositis with serious consequences is unusual.

As of April 20, 2 children have died, 3 are hospitalized and 4 are receiving outpatient treatment out of a total of 15 infants and young children with severe myocarditis recorded in just 9 months from June 2022 to present.

WHO: Cảnh báo viêm cơ tim tăng không bình thường ở trẻ nhỏ tại Anh - Ảnh 1.

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That figure is high and concerning for a rare condition caused by a group of viruses that don’t normally cause it, especially when you consider that in the past six years, UK data has recorded only one case of similar severe myocarditis caused by the same virus.

The majority of cases were reported in Wales. PCR testing of specimens from nine patients confirmed the presence of enterovirus strains coxsackie B3 or coxsackie B4.

The peak incidence was in November 2022, with sporadic cases in other months. The incident was reported to WHO by the UK IHR (International Health Regulations) Focal Point.

According to the WHO, the most common cause of myocarditis is a viral infection, but it can also be caused by a bacterial infection, a reaction to a medication, or an autoimmune disease. Symptoms of myocarditis include acute and persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, and a rapid heartbeat.

Enteroviruses (excluding polio) are a group of viruses that can cause a number of infectious diseases and are responsible for annual outbreaks. These diseases are usually mild but are slightly more severe in infants and young children than in older children.

Paediatricians in the South Wales area have been alerted to recent cases, with advice to consider myocarditis in newborns and newborns in shock.

A National Incident Management Team (IMT) has been established and is reviewing evidence from all regions of England and the UK nations to determine the next steps for the response. Epidemiological investigations are underway.

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