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CDC investigating severe cases of hepatitis in children in 26 states, including Washington

TACOMA, Wash. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating 180 cases of children with severe hepatitis across 26 states and territories, including Washington, according to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.

The cause of the cases is not known.

The CDC is investigating a possible link to adenovirus infection, as some of the cases tested positive for adenovirus. Adenoviruses are common viruses that usually cause mild cold or flu-like illness, according to the CDC.

Investigators are reviewing cases with onset as early as October 2021.

The CDC is recommending that health care professionals consider adenovirus testing for patients and collecting blood, respiratory and stool specimens, and in some cases, liver tissue.