CDC seeing uptick in unexplained cases of hepatitis in young children

CDC seeing uptick in hepatitis cases in children

WASHINGTON (KDKA) - Another health concern has emerged this week.

The number of unexplained cases of hepatitis is rising among children in the United States.

The CDC said it's investigating 180 cases in 36 states, including Pennsylvania.

Most of the children affected are younger than 5.

Investigators say there may not be a single cause for the cases but more than half of the children tested positive for a virus that is most commonly linked to respiratory symptoms and upset stomachs.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Patrick Damp

Patrick Damp is a Web Producer for CBS Pittsburgh. A Pittsburgh native who grew up watching KDKA-TV, Patrick studied journalism at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. After half a decade in sports communication, Patrick decided to pursue his dream of working in journalism in his hometown and joined the CBS Pittsburgh team in 2019.