Parents have likely seen recent news reports on mysterious hepatitis cases among kids, and are naturally concerned. We’re taking a look at what is known about the outbreak, symptoms of hepatitis to watch for, and some measures you can take to help prevent the virus.
The Hepatitis Outbreak
It started at a hospital in Alabama when five children between the ages of one and six years old were identified as having acute hepatitis of unknown origin. That was in October 2021 and since then, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been investigating an uptick of pediatric hepatitis in children across nearly 40 states, including Pennsylvania.
Cases have also risen globally. As of the end of May 2022, roughly 700 cases are under investigation in more than 30 countries outside the United States, according to the World Health Organization.
What is Hepatitis and What Are the Symptoms?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, usually due to a viral infection. The inflammation can cause damage to the liver.
Here are some symptoms to look for:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain and diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Dark urine
- Light-colored stools
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
Hepatitis is commonly linked to infection with hepatitis A, B, C, D or E viruses. In these recent pediatric cases, however, there was no evidence of these infections in the patients tested.
What is Known So Far
As the CDC continues working with state and local health officials to uncover the underlying cause of these pediatric cases, some information has emerged:
- Lab tests confirmed that roughly half of the children with hepatitis were infected with adenovirus type 41. Adenovirus is a common type of virus that can cause cold-like symptoms. Adenovirus 41 can cause severe stomach illness in kids but is not typically associated with hepatitis in children.
- The CDC is investigating whether another contributing factor is making the children sick, including exposure to toxins, bacteria, or the virus that causes COVID-19, but have deemed the latter two causes unlikely, along with urinary tract infection, autoimmune hepatitis and Wilson disease.
- A recent story in U.S. News & World Report quotes Dr. Jay Butler, the CDC’s deputy director for infectious diseases, as saying during a May 6 media briefing, “COVID-19 vaccination is not the cause of these illnesses, and we hope that this information helps clarify some of the speculations circulating online.”
- While adenovirus type 41 is a leading theory, the cause of these recent cases of hepatitis in young children is still unknown at this time.
How Serious is Hepatitis in Children?
Symptoms of hepatitis in children can range from mild to moderate to very serious. Among the estimated 200+ pediatric cases in the U.S. since October 2021, 15 children needed liver transplants and six children have died. Those numbers rise when international cases are factored in.
What Can Parents Can Do
In addition to being on the lookout for the symptoms of liver inflammation noted above, the CDC advises parents to:
- Practice good handwashing habits with children
- Keep children up to date on all vaccinations
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Remind children to not touch the eyes, nose, or mouth
Most adenoviruses can be treated at home with rest and hydration. Current treatment for acute hepatitis is focused on preventing further damage to the liver, reversing existing damage if possible, and relieving symptoms. Treatment recommendations can be refined once the origin of infection is determined.
So parents, keep watching out for symptoms, practice good hygiene, and contact your doctor if you have any concerns.