DENVER — Colorado has reported 13 cases of unexplained hepatitis in children since November, with about half appearing in the last two months.
Worldwide, about 450 children have been identified as having what the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling acute hepatitis of unknown cause, and 11 have died. Five deaths and 180 possible cases in 36 states have been reported in the United States since October.
Hepatitis is an umbrella term referring to inflammation in the liver. The most common cause is an infection with one of five viruses, known as hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Heavy alcohol use can also cause liver inflammation, as can certain chemicals and excessive use of common medications, like acetaminophen.
