IDI: Hepatitis Akut Menular dari Makanan, Minuman & Lingkungan Kotor

Summary

The Ministry of Health addresses the public's concerns about a mysterious acute hepatitis affecting children aged 1 month to 16 years. Ongoing research is focused on identifying the virus and its effects. The leading hypothesis points to adenovirus 41, which is known to cause liver damage, especially in children with previously good immunity. There is no evidence linking this condition to long COVID or vaccines. Parents are advised to ensure proper hygiene, clean food, and drinks for their children, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like jaundice occur. Research and guidelines are evolving to manage this emerging health threat.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ministry of Health urges the public not to panic over the mysterious acute hepatitis cases affecting children aged one month to 16 years.
• 😀 Research is ongoing to identify the exact characteristics of the virus and the pattern of deterioration, but no definitive cause has been confirmed yet.
• 😀 Several advisory groups, including the MPPK and Bakar groups, have discussed these cases, though the origin of the disease remains unclear.
• 😀 A hypothesis has emerged suggesting adenovirus 41 as a potential cause, as it has been linked to liver damage in children with previously strong immune systems.
• 😀 Adenovirus 41 has traditionally caused diarrhea in children but is now showing potential to cause liver damage in otherwise healthy children.
• 😀 Hepatitis cases are severe, with about 10% of affected children needing a liver transplant, highlighting the urgency of fast diagnosis and treatment.
• 😀 Children diagnosed with acute hepatitis have no comorbidities or underlying health conditions, distinguishing this outbreak from previous cases involving weakened immune systems.
• 😀 There is no evidence linking the acute hepatitis cases to vaccines, even though some adenoviruses used in vaccine development cannot infect people or cause harm.
• 😀 Parents should ensure that food, water, and hygiene are properly managed to avoid oral-fecal transmission, which is thought to be the primary mode of infection.
• 😀 Immediate medical attention is advised if a child shows symptoms such as jaundice. Parents are urged to seek care at large referral hospitals in their area.
• 😀 The Indonesian Pediatrician Association is actively preparing updated guidance to help manage and prevent further spread of this mysterious disease.

Q & A

What is the current situation regarding the mysterious acute hepatitis cases affecting children?

The Ministry of Health has asked the public not to panic about the mysterious acute hepatitis cases affecting children between the ages of one month and 16 years. Research is ongoing to determine the exact characteristics of the virus and the pattern of deterioration.

Has there been any internal discussion about these hepatitis cases?

Yes, there have been several discussions within various groups, including the tpid group, mppk group, bakar group, and the Advisory Board. The discussions mainly focus on understanding the disease's origins and the characteristics of the virus.

What is the current hypothesis regarding the cause of these hepatitis cases?

One of the hypotheses is that the hepatitis could be linked to adenovirus 41. This virus has previously caused liver damage, but it typically affected children with low immunity. Now, it appears to be attacking children with previously good immunity.

What are the characteristics of adenovirus 41, and why is it being considered as the cause?

Adenovirus 41 usually causes diarrhea in children and does not typically cause liver damage. However, recent data from countries like the USA and the UK indicate that adenovirus 41 may be involved in the current outbreak. The virus is associated with rapid deterioration in some cases.

How severe is the impact of this hepatitis outbreak on children?

The hepatitis cases are quite severe, with around 10% of affected children needing a liver transplant. The condition is acute and requires immediate medical intervention.

Is there any connection between these hepatitis cases and comorbid conditions?

No, children infected with the acute hepatitis cases do not have comorbid conditions. Their immune systems were previously healthy, unlike in past cases where adenovirus-related liver damage occurred in children with compromised immune systems.

Is the hepatitis outbreak linked to vaccines?

No, the outbreak is not linked to vaccines. The children affected are under five years old, and none of them have received any vaccines. The theory that adenovirus vaccines could be responsible is unlikely, as the adenoviruses used in these vaccines cannot infect humans.

What preventive measures should parents take to protect their children?

Parents should ensure their children's food and drinks are clean, and that water is boiled before consumption. Proper hygiene, such as washing hands before eating and properly disposing of waste, is also important.

What symptoms should prompt parents to seek immediate medical attention for their children?

Parents should seek medical help immediately if their child shows symptoms of jaundice, as it could be a sign of acute hepatitis. The child should be taken to a referral hospital as soon as possible.

What is the Indonesian Pediatrician Association doing in response to this outbreak?

The Indonesian Pediatrician Association, along with other teams, is preparing guidelines and protocols for handling this new disease. These guidelines will be updated as new information becomes available.