After the first 10 cases of acute hepatitis in children, some of which were fatal and cause death, on April 15, 2022 the WHO classified the situation as hepatitis outbreaks in several countries. Based on published WHO report, by April 21, 2022 there were 169 reported cases across 12 countries in Europe and the United States. To date, most cases have involved children from 1 month old to 16 years old, and the cause of this outbreak remains unknown.

In Indonesia, public attention to Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Etiology increased after three pediatric patients treated at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Jakarta died from acute hepatitis. The Ministry of Health subsequently issued several recommendations to curb transmission in the community.

How to Prevent Acute Hepatitis

Hepatitis is liver inflammation that is most often caused by a virus. The cause of the recent acute hepatitis outbreak in Indonesia was still unclear. Test results have not confirmed a specific virus responsible for the liver inflammation, although some tests pointed to adenovirus, and several cases involved co-infection with COVID-19 and adenovirus.

Adenoviruses are a family of viruses that can lead to various infections, including those affecting the eyes and the nervous system, but most commonly involve the upper respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal tract. Reported clinical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, fever, jaundice, seizures, and reduced consciousness. To anticipate a rise in cases, the following acute hepatitis prevention steps can be implemented:

1. Wash your hands regularly with soap

Adenovirus can spread through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Regular handwashing with soap and running water is recommended to remove and inactivate any virus present.

2. Wash all food thoroughly

Adenoviruses that cause gastrointestinal symptoms can also spread through contaminated food and drinks or exposure to fecal matter containing the virus. Make sure food and beverages at home are prepared thoroughly and hygienically.

3. Use your own eating utensils

Avoid sharing utensils to reduce the risk of acute hepatitis. When children eat outside the home, it is recommended that children bring their own eating utensils. Do not share personal items such as toothbrushes and nail clippers with others.

4. Reduce contact with sick people

To minimize transmission, keep children away from currently sick people. Avoid taking children to visit sick individuals, or ensure they wear a mask if they must be around someone who is unwell.

5. Maintain hygiene

Another way to prevent the spread of acute hepatitis is to keep the environments clean. Disinfect household surfaces that people generally touch a lot, such as doorknobs and faucets, routinely. Parents of infants and toddlers should dispose of used diapers safely in a covered trash bin, and encourage children to wash their hands after urinating and defecating.

6. Adhere to health protocols

Alongside the measures above, the public is encouraged to continue health protocols that include wearing masks, keeping a safe distance, and limiting unnecessary travel.

Acute hepatitis remains a serious concern in several countries. If your child has early symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, nausea, or vomiting, seek medical care promptly. Do not wait for jaundice to appear before visiting a healthcare facility. Early detection and treatment can lower the risk of severe liver damage in children.

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