Ministry of Health notes ‘mysterious’ acute hepatitis related symptoms in children

Today 9.5, Ministry of Health promulgating Official Letter No. 2329/BYT-DP to the health departments of provinces and cities, requesting to strengthen surveillance of cases of acute hepatitis of unknown cause.

According to the Ministry of Health, over world 228 cases of children with inflammation were recorded acute hepatitis of unknown etiology (reported to May 3) in 20 countries in Europe, Southeast Asia, Western Pacific, of which there have been 4 deaths.

The cause of the “mysterious” hepatitis in children is unknown tn

The cases identified as acute hepatitis above presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and markedly elevated liver enzymes.

Most of the reported cases have no fever and no detectable infections common virus causing acute viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses).

According to the World Health Organization and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, the exact cause of hepatitis in these children is not known and investigations are ongoing. However, cases have occurred in areas where adenovirus is high.

In order to actively monitor cases of acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in Vietnam and promptly implement prevention and control measures to minimize the number of cases and deaths, the Ministry of Health proposes that the directors of departments medical focus directing tstrengthen sampling of suspected cases of acute hepatitis of unknown etiology at medical facilities to determine the cause.

If abnormal cases are detected, with unknown causes, please immediately report them to the Ministry of Health (Department of Preventive Medicine) for timely monitoring and direction.

At the same time, directing to strengthen the implementation of hepatitis B vaccine coverage for children of vaccination age at health facilities to reach the set rate and ensure safety, not to exist in areas with high rates of infection. Hepatitis B vaccination rates for children are low, especially for infants.

Implement well the examination and screening for early detection of hepatitis virus infections for timely treatment and management to limit complications. Direct and guide local medical units to well implement the professional guidelines of the Ministry of Health in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with viral hepatitis.

Continue strongly implementing activities to prevent and control viral hepatitis according to Decision No. 4531/QD-BYT dated September 24, 2021 of Health Minister on “Plan for prevention and control of viral hepatitis in the period of 2021 – 2025”.

The Ministry of Health also requested health departments to organize peak activities in response to the day hepatitis prevention the world 28.7 every year and make it a local annual activity.