Acute, severe hepatitis of unknown origin in children
Q&A for parents
- Available in:
- English
- Bahasa Indonesia
Since April 2022, there have been reported cases of acute hepatitis infection of unknown origin among children in countries in Europe, North America and Asia, including Indonesia. Here’s what you need to know about hepatitis and how to protect children from the risk of infection.
1. What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis infection is most often caused by the hepatitis virus, which has five main strains referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. These strains spread in different ways and cause different types of illness.
2. How does hepatitis spread?
This depends on the virus strain. Hepatitis A and E are usually caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D infections are generally caused when infected body fluids enter the body through penetration of the skin.
3. What are the symptoms of hepatitis?
Symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fever, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools (poop) and joint pain. In some cases, there are limited or no symptoms.
4. What is acute, severe hepatitis of unknown origin?
This refers to severe hepatitis cases that are not caused by any of the five virus strains. Some children who have become sick with acute, severe hepatitis of unknown origin are infected with a virus called adenovirus type 41 (which causes acute gastroenteritis). However, it is unknown if this virus is causing the recent hepatitis cases.
5. How can I help my child to avoid the risk of infection?
- Make sure your child is up to date on all vaccinations.
- Help your child take everyday actions to help prevent diseases that spread from person to person. Encourage your child to:
- Wash hands often
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Avoid people who are sick
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Cover coughs and sneezes
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Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
If your child has symptoms of hepatis, or you have any questions about your child’s health, call your child’s healthcare provider.
6. Where can I find more information about hepatitis?
For further information please contact: “Biro Komunikasi dan Pelayanan Publik, Kementerian Kesehatan RI”. Hotline 1500-567, SMS 081281562620, Fax (021) 5223002, 52921669, email kontak@kemkes.go.id