All of the children have been younger than 10 years old, with the average age being 2 years old.

None of the affected children had received COVID vaccines and none were infected with coronavirus at the time they were infected with hepatitis.

The CDC is investigating a cluster of hepatitis illnesses among children in 25 states. The outbreak is thought to be part of an international situation that has seen more than 200 children sickened according to the WHO.

In the United States there have been 109 patients identified since October 2021, according to CDC Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases Dr. Jay Butler. During a conference call with media on Friday afternoon he said 90 percent of the children were hospitalized and 14 required liver transplants. Five children have died. All of the children have been younger than 10 years old, with the average age being 2 years old.

None of the affected children had received COVID vaccines and none were infected with coronavirus at the time they were infected with hepatitis.

Half of the sick children in the United States have been infected with adenovirus 41, which is part of a group of viruses known for causing respiratory symptoms. Butler said public health officials are trying to figure out if there is a link between the hepatitis infections and the adenovirus infections, but there is no conclusive information yet. All of the sick children were otherwise healthy before becoming sick with hepatitis.