The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating mysterious cases of hepatitis among young children.
In 109 cases since October being investigated, five children died and several more needed a liver transplant. About half of the children had confirmed cases of an adenovirus, a common class of viruses that can cause congestion and flulike symptoms.
Doctors don't yet know the cause of these cases but are researching whether there may be a link between hepatitis and adenovirus, as well as other potential contributing factors.
The vast majority of children who developed hepatitis recovered. Still, severe hepatitis is rare among children, which is why doctors and the CDC have urged parents to be alert.
Here's what to know:
Q. What is hepatitis?
A. Hepatitis is the medical term to describe liver inflammation. Hepatitis occurs on a spectrum, meaning patients can experience minor or severe inflammation, said Salwa Sulieman, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Nemours Children's Health.
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Q. What causes hepatitis?
A. Hepatitis has both infectious, meaning it stems from a virus, and non-infectious causes.
Hepatitis viruses A, B, and C are the most common causes of viral hepatitis in the U.S.
Hepatitis A causes acute illness, such as vomiting and diarrhea, and typically resolves within a few weeks. It is spread by ingesting fecal matter from an infected person, for instance through food or water. Though hepatitis is uncommon among children, this is the type they are most likely to be exposed to, Sulieman said.
Hepatitis B can cause long-term health problems and is a leading cause of liver cancer. It is spread through blood or other bodily fluids from an infected person.
Hepatitis C is spread through blood contact with an infected person, for instance by sharing needles or syringes. It can be passed from an infected mother to an infant at birth.
Other viruses can also cause liver inflammation. Doctors are looking into whether adenovirus, type 40, may be linked to the 109 cases under investigation. They are also exploring the possibility that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, may weaken children's immune systems and make them more vulnerable to an adenovirus infection that could lead to hepatitis, though this was ruled out in some of the first U.S.-reported cases in Alabama.
The most common types of non-infectious hepatitis are overdoses of toxins or medications, such as Tylenol.
Q. What are the symptoms of hepatitis?
A. Abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, and jaundice — yellowing of the skin and eyes — are all symptoms of hepatitis. Parents who notice these symptoms, especially jaundice, in their children should seek medical attention immediately, Sulieman said.
Q. What's causing severe hepatitis among young children?
A. We don't know yet. The most common infectious causes — hepatitis A, B, and C — have not been present in the cases the CDC is investigating. Adenovirus was confirmed among about half of the cases, but doctors don't know yet whether an adenovirus contributed to those children developing hepatitis.
Q. Is hepatitis common among children?
A. No. Hepatitis viruses are rare among children in the United States, Sulieman said. Anyone can develop liver inflammation when they have a virus or infection, so it's possible for children to get hepatitis. However, when hepatitis does occur in children, it is unusual for them to have such extreme cases that they would need a liver transplant, she said.
Q. How is hepatitis treated?
A. Vaccines — recommended for infants and children — are the most effective way to prevent hepatitis A and B infections. There is no cure for hepatitis, but medications can help reduce symptoms and limit liver damage among people who develop chronic, long-term hepatitis.
Medical information to have ready in case of emergency
Medical information to have ready in case of emergency
Being prepared for a medical emergency can mean the difference between immediate relief or exacerbated symptoms—or, in some instances, life or death.
Guava Health compiled a list of important medical information to have prepared in case of an emergency. Having a few key pieces of medical information can be important to help doctors treat you for many different health emergencies and conditions. In some cases, such as with allergies to certain medications, your condition could actually worsen when doctors don't know your medical history.
There are many ways to keep track of this information, from medical ID bracelets to a simple sheet of paper. Paper copies of medical history should be stored in multiple places—such as a wallet, glove box, and on the fridge at home—so they’re easy to locate. Some people prefer the convenience of emergency health information cards, which offer easy and convenient ways to ensure medical information is always at hand.
While traveling, be sure to note the closest medical facilities to where you’re staying, keep all emergency contact information on you, and make sure any medical devices are visible. Those with diabetes may also carry a continuous glucose monitor, which tracks glucose levels and conveys the information to medical professionals.
List of allergies
If there’s a situation where you become unconscious, having a list of your allergies is vital for emergency medical personnel. This can range from certain classes of medications to latex, which may be on doctors’ gloves. Some people with diabetes, for example, may have an allergic reaction to oral medications and injectable insulin.
Insurance card
When it comes to receiving medical treatment, emergency rooms are the most costly. This is why insurance companies prefer their members to use lower-cost options such as urgent care centers because it’s less expensive for the insurer and lowers premiums for everyone across the board. Insurance companies, however, cannot charge more if someone has to get emergency care from an out-of-network hospital. Having your insurance card in your wallet at all times can help medical bills be processed and filed correctly to avoid headaches and discrepancies later on.
Emergency contact information
If you’re hospitalized while unconscious, an emergency contact can serve as an advocate to ensure you receive the best care possible. It is also useful to have a trusted family member or friend designated to make decisions if you're incapacitated or not in shape to make decisions, whether unconscious or incoherent. Emergency contacts can also provide moral and emotional support.
Medical ID bracelet
The purpose of medical ID bracelets or necklaces is to give paramedics and emergency responders access to essential medical information should a patient become unconscious. Many paramedics are specifically trained to look out for such jewelry. People often include information about chronic conditions, such as epilepsy and diabetes, that might impact their care.
Other useful information can include medications and allergies so that nothing you’re allergic to is accidentally administered while receiving treatment.
Seizure information
If you have a history of seizures, having a record of when they took place can help doctors recognize possible triggers. It can also help your family and loved ones know whether you’re having a seizure and which seizure medicines may work.
Some medications work better for different types of seizures, and not all seizures are caused by epilepsy, so knowing the type of seizures, whether it’s focal (located in one area of the brain) or generalized (affecting both sides of the brain) can determine the best course of treatment.
List of current medications
People often have trouble remembering things in times of crisis. Keeping a list of current medications handy ensures medical staff can avoid over-prescribing or prescribing drugs that may cause a negative reaction.
Maintain an updated list of all medications and keep it in your wallet or purse if you don’t wear a medical alert bracelet. This information can be helpful for paramedics and other first responders, especially for people who may have conditions such as diabetes, since it’s important to know if they are on insulin. Some people may also see multiple doctors or go to more than one pharmacy to have their prescriptions filled so maintaining an updated list of medications is even more important in that case.
Blood type
Knowing which of the eight common blood types is in your body can be lifesaving and is key to better understanding your health. This information is particularly useful should you need a blood transfusion with a compatible blood type. If there’s cross-matching in blood typing, this can cause blood cells to clump, which can be fatal.
To learn your blood type, you can visit your primary physician or a clinic that sends blood samples out to labs for testing.
This story originally appeared on Guava Health and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
