Mysterious Hepatitis Outbreak Raises Concerns Over Serious Liver Complications in Children
A recent outbreak of mysterious hepatitis cases among children have triggered serious liver issues of the affected kids as parents continue to be worried over the secretive illness. The US health body CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) said that this mysterious infection may be related to leading the mysterious liver disease among children, even the world has urged the parents or guardians to observe their kids carefully if they report any of the symptoms of the mysterious liver disease. The illness was mostly being reported in children aged between one month to 16 years old.
At least 169 cases of severe cases of hepatitis of unknown origin were reported among children across 12 countries so far. In US Nine cases had been reported in children being affected by the mysterious liver ailment.
The CDC said in its report, “Adenovirus was detected in whole blood specimens from all patients by real-time PCR testing.”
What is Adenovirus
Adenoviruses are widespread viruses that cause a variety of illnesses. Cold-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhoea, and pink eye can all result from them (conjunctivitis). An adenovirus infection can occur at any age. Although adenoviruses can cause mild to severe illness, serious illness is uncommon. People who have weakened immune systems or who have pre-existing respiratory or cardiac disease are more likely to develop severe illness from an adenovirus infection.
Adenovirus: A Potential Trigger for Hepatitis in Children, Investigated by CDC
The CDC has acknowledged that adenovirus is a known catalyst for hepatitis in children with compromised immune systems. While its role as a possible contributor to liver issues in healthy children is gaining recognition, the extent of this association remains subject to ongoing scrutiny. Adenoviruses are typically transmitted through close personal interactions, including handshakes, coughing, sneezing, and contact with contaminated surfaces that are then brought in contact with the mouth, nose, or eyes. Further investigation is underway to comprehensively understand the impact of adenovirus on liver health in both immunocompromised and healthy pediatric populations.
Symptoms of Adenovirus infection
- Common cold or flu-like symptoms
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Acute bronchitis (inflammation of the airways of the lungs, sometimes called a “chest cold”)
- Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
- Inflammation of the stomach or intestines
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- How to protect your kids and yourself from Adenovirus infection
- Wash your and your kids’ hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your upper sleeve, not your hands
- Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with others
