As parents prepare for their K-12 kids to return to school, protecting them from disease continues to be a priority. In addition to the schedule of regular vaccinations, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are now recommended for all school-aged kids.
But a national kid-focused virus is possibly rearing its head just in time for fall classes: Pediatric Hepatitis.
Identifying an outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a rare outbreak of pediatric hepatitis of unknown cause in the U.S., beginning in October 2021. To date, the number of “persons under investigation” (PUI) by the CDC across the country is 357 in 43 states, including cases in Ohio and Michigan.
Hepatitis is an inflammation in the liver that can result in liver cell damage. Because it often originates from a virus, it is communicable (a more serious problem as school approaches).
“It’s quite serious when these kids are getting sick,” explained Alexa Hirschfeld, CNP, with ProMedica Urgent Care for Kids. “And while the CDC study has a small number, of the 357 children, six percent have needed liver transplants, and four percent have died.”
Looking for causes
Hepatitis A is the most common type of pediatric hepatitis, and it is highly contagious. Not all children who are infected experience illness, according to Hirschfeld, but among those who do, symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Dark urine
- Pale stool
- Fever of over 104 degrees
- Yellowing (jaundice) of the skin or eyes
The causes of hepatitis in children are difficult to identify; in fact, it is not unusual for the cause to remain known. Studies around the world have identified adenovirus, a common virus that often causes cold- and flu-like symptoms, as a likely cause of the current batch of hepatitis cases. CDC is also studying other infections, such as SARS-CoV-2 (the virus behind COVID-19) adeno-associated virus (AAV-2), or a combination of infections, as contributing to the hepatitis.
The COVID-19 vaccine had also been linked as a possible cause of hepatitis. “The median age of patients in this study is two, which is below the age where kids are receiving the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Hirschfeld. “So, it’s hard to believe that the vaccine would be related to this.” The CDC has also ruled out the COVID-19 vaccine as a cause.
Being diligent parents
Pediatric hepatitis “is a rare disease, so it’s wise for parents to be aware, but not scared or fearful,” said Hirschfeld. She recommended several steps for protecting your family from hepatitis, along with fighting infection in general:
- Hand washing throughout the day, especially after using the restroom or before eating.
- Keep kids home if they’re not feeling well, so they won’t pick up or pass along anything.
- Disinfect surfaces around the home, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Practice good general hygiene, at home and when you’re out.
- Develop good habits – for diet and sleeping – that will help protect you from illness in general.
If parents suspect their child is experiencing these symptoms, particularly gastro-intestinal problems and loss of appetite, they should begin at their local urgent care center. “It’s important to see a doctor when symptoms present themselves,” she said. “We can’t test for hepatitis at the urgent care level,” but the urgent care can determine whether it’s important to send the child on for further analysis.
“Overall, it’s important to take good steps to protect your kids from this or other viruses,” she said.
