10% of children with mysterious hepatitis need a liver transplant, the Ministry of Health requires close supervision

According to the Department of Preventive Health, an update from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that, as of May 3, the world recorded 228 cases of acute hepatitis of unknown cause in 20 countries in the world. Europe, Southeast Asia, Western Pacific, in which 4 deaths.

The disease occurs in children from 1 month to 16 years old. Most pediatric patients recover completely, but some become severe, nearly 10% of cases require liver transplantation. The above cases of acute hepatitis were identified with abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and markedly elevated liver enzymes.

The majority of reported cases were without fever and undetected infection with common viruses that cause acute viral hepatitis (hepatitis A, B, C, D and E). The exact cause of hepatitis in these children is unknown and investigation is ongoing. However, initial indications are that cases occur in high endemic areas of the adenovirus.

In order to actively monitor cases of acute hepatitis of unknown cause in Vietnam and promptly implement measures to prevent and minimize the number of cases and deaths, the Department of Preventive Health recommends that the Institutes of Hygiene Central Epidemiology and Epidemiology, Nha Trang Pasteur Institute, Ho Chi Minh City Pasteur Institute, Central Highlands Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology are closely monitoring, synthesizing the situation and analyzing the epidemiology of acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in the world. .

Units coordinate with localities to take samples and test cases of suspected acute hepatitis of unknown cause and immediately report abnormal cases, at the same time assess risks and propose preventive measures. in Viet Nam.

The Institutes strengthen inspection and supervision, support localities and units to deploy hepatitis virus prevention and testing, focusing on vaccination activities. vaccines hepatitis B for infants, children under 1 year old and high-risk subjects, ensuring safety and reaching the coverage rate according to the planned targets.