The WHO issued an alert that there had been a rise in “severe myocarditis” in newborns and infants between June 2022 and March 2023 in Wales and England.
It said that this was associated with the enterovirus infection, which rarely affects the heart.
A UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) spokesperson confirmed to The Epoch Times that 10 babies have been diagnosed in Wales and five have been diagnosed in England.
The WHO said that “although enterovirus infections are common in neonates and young infants, the reported increase in myocarditis with severe outcomes in neonates and infants associated with enterovirus infection is unusual.”
It said that in the same hospital (covering the South Wales region) over the previous six years, “only one other similar case has been identified.”
WHO assessed the public health risk as low, but added that in certain situations, it “may be advisable to close child-care facilities and schools to reduce the intensity of transmission.”
However, the WHO took down the alert on Wednesday. The Epoch Times understands that this could be because some of the numbers were not correct.
The WHO did not respond to The Epoch Times’ request for comment.
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