UNAIR NEWS – The spread of acute hepatitis across the world, including in Indonesia, concerns many people. The community should do the extra to prevent the spread of this mysterious disease as the cause has not been known yet.
The pediatric gastro-hepatology doctor of UNAIR Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Bagus Setyoboedi stated that the cause of liver inflammation has not been known. The unknown etiology causes difficulties in prevention, treatment, and spread control.
Dr. Bagus said hepatitis is commonly caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoa, drug/toxins, and autoimmune and systemic conditions. “All the possible causes of hepatitis generally have been examined. However, the causes of this acute hepatitis have not been detected,” he told UNAIR NEWS on Thursday, May 12, 2022.
The symptoms of viral hepatitis in children are generally mild to moderate. “The symptoms of acute hepatitis are the same as common hepatitis. However, some cases of unknown hepatitis get worsen quickly which leads to liver failure and death,” Dr. Bagus stated.
The mild symptoms include fever, nausea, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and in some cases, jaundice. Acute hepatitis can be fulminant, causing severe symptoms, such as blood clotting and loss of consciousness.
See the doctor immediately if the symptoms arise
Dr. Bagus suggested the patients see the doctor immediately if patients showed the symptoms of disease, which until now has been found in children under the age of 16. To ensure safety, the healthcare workers should raise alertness by consistently using single-use medical equipment and applying universal precautions.
“The Ministry of Health and medical professional associations have prepared the procedures and referral flow from the first to advanced healthcare facilities,” he said.
Although the causes have not been detected, the pediatrician advised parents to stay alert to the spread of the disease. “Generally, there are three channels of disease transmission, the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and blood contact. Therefore, it is highly recommended to use health protocols, eat the food carefully, and avoid sharing eating utensils,” he said.
Author: Stefanny Elly
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
