The Secretary of Health of New Lion reported to four child patients with acute hepatitis this Thursday, ensuring that everyone is stable and remain monitored. This, after last April 15, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert about this disease in children.
And it is that, Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liverwhich can develop into an acute infection or a chronic infection, notes the National Library of Medicine (NIH).
It should be noted that there are different types of hepatitis, the most common viral being viruses such as A, B, C, D and E.
How is hepatitis spread?
Hepatitis type A and E are transmitted through contact with food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person, and it is even possible to contract this virus by eating undercooked pork or shellfish, the NIH notes.
For its part, hepatitis B, C and D can be transmitted by blood contact of a person with the disease, while type B and D can also be spread through contact with body fluids such as saliva or semen.
What do we know about childhood hepatitis and how is it transmitted?
On April 5, 10 cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown causes in children under 10 years of age in Scotland were reported to the WHO. Later, on April 8, reports 74 more cases in the UK.
Laboratory tests ruled out hepatitis viruses type A, B, C, D and E. in cases reported in children, according to the WHO; however, they detected a severe acute respiratory syndrome of coronavirus and adenovirus in several cases, but it is not yet clear if these are the mechanisms by which the disease is developing.
“Adenovirus is a common virus that can cause respiratory symptoms or vomiting and diarrhea. In general, the infection has a limited duration and does not evolve into worrisome conditions, although rare cases of serious adenovirus infections that have caused hepatitis have been recorded in immunocompromised patients or people undergoing transplants. Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
For this reason, PAHO asks parents to be on the lookout in case the little ones present symptoms such asor diarrhoea, vomiting, as well as yellowing of the eyes and skin.
Finally, PAHO recommends that the population take basic hygiene measures such as washing their hands, as well as covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent transmission of the adenovirus.
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