The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is issuing a Health Alert Network Health Advisory because child hepatitis cases and adenovirus infections have been reported in that state. Officials are investigating at least four cases in Wisconsin. One child needed a liver transplant and one child died. This alleged outbreak was first reported in Alabama from November 2021 to February 2022, where nine children were sickened. Two of those children needed liver transplants. Then, three cases were announced in Illinois on April 25, 2022, with one liver transplant reported. More than 100 cases of severe hepatitis in children under the age of 10 have been reported around the world. Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that can be caused by alcohol use, toxins, medications, some … [Read more...]
CDC Issues Alert For Adenovirus Testing in Children With Acute Hepatitis
The CDC has issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Alert for conducting adenovirus testing in children with acute Hepatitis. This comes after reports from Alabama of nine children under the age of 10 presenting with symptoms of severe hepatitis. Three of those children were in acute liver failure; those patients tested positive for adenovirus. Officials think these illnesses may be related to adenovirus 41. None of the children had COVID-19 and none had any previous health conditions. Two of the patients required liver transplants. Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E are viruses, but hepatitis just means inflammation of the liver, and can be caused by chemicals, toxins, medications, alcohol use, and other viruses. Patients with liver inflammation can get very sick and suffer liver failure; … [Read more...]
Alabama Severe Pediatric Hepatitis Cases May Be Adenovirus
Alabama severe pediatric hepatitis cases may be adenovirus, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). The CDC, along with pediatric healthcare providers, are investigating this increase in cases. The children, who live in different areas of Alabama, presented with symptoms of a gastrointestinal illness and varying degree of liver injury, including liver failure. There is a possible association with Adenovirus 41. Nine children under the age of 10 have tested positive for adenovirus. Two of these children have needed liver transplants. An epidemiological link among the patients has not be established. None of the children had any underlying health conditions before they got sick. ADPH has issued a Health Alert Network notification on February 1, 2022 to try to … [Read more...]
