To the UNITED STATESle Department of Public Health d’Alabama (ADPH) in collaboration with pediatricians, including hospitals that treat children and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), investigated an increase in cases ofhepatitis in young children. These children presented with symptoms of gastrointestinal disease and varying degrees of liver damage, including liver failure.
Subsequent analyzes revealed a possible association of this hepatitis withAdenovirus 41. To date, nine children under the age of 10 have been identified as adenovirus positive and two have required liver transplants. The affected children were from across the state of Alabama, and an epidemiological link between them has not been determined. None of these children had any notable underlying health conditions.
The CDC is currently developing a national health advisory looking for clinically similar cases of liver injury of unknown etiology or associated with liver disease. Adenovirus in other states.
Reminder on Adenovirus.
The Adenovirus represent a group of viruses that infect mucous membranes. The disease is mainly caused by Adenovirus types 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 and occasionally 3 and 7. More than half of the Adenovirus do not cause symptoms, but depending on the type of virus, they can cause respiratory illnesses, but also diarrhea, eye infections and skin rashes. Young children, the elderly and immunocompromised are more susceptible.
The infection is spread mainly by air droplets, direct contact with oronasal secretions of patients, or ingestion of contaminated food or water.
To prevent infection with Adenovirus, the public must apply the following measures:
- maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene;
- cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing and use disposable tissues;
- washing hands before handling food and eating, and after using the toilet;
- avoid touching the eyes with the hands;
- do not share towels and toiletries.
Source : Outbreak News Today.