Adenovirus, cases of hepatitis cause a health warning throughout the CDC

Following the monitoring of escalating cases of acute hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) in young children in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a health alert for several countries. According to WHO reports, 12 countries have already reported severe hepatitis in otherwise healthy children, including the United States.

On April 21, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued its own national health alert after nine cases of unexplained hepatitis were identified in Alabama. North Carolina has also reported cases since then.

The cause of this health concern is still being investigated, but authorities speculate that the adenovirus may be to blame. Adenovirus, especially type 41 adenovirus (which more commonly causes pediatric acute gastroenteritis), has been found in a large number of affected children. The concern is that if hepatitis results from adenovirus infection, it is potentially contagious.

What is an adenovirus?

According to the CDC, adenoviruses are common viruses that can cause a number of diseases. They can cause cold-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, pink eye (conjunctivitis) and more. People can get an adenovirus infection at any age, but those with a weakened immune system are usually the most susceptible.

There are more than 50 types of adenoviruses that can affect humans, and these uncoated viruses are relatively resistant to ordinary disinfectants. As a result, they can live for days or months on surfaces. These viruses are spread by infected people by touching (shaking hands), in the air (coughing and sneezing) or by touching contaminated surfaces and transmitting the virus to the mouth, nose or eyes.

How to fight adenovirus?

As it is a virus without a shell, not all disinfectants will be effective in destroying it. The CDC recommends the use of disinfectants that claim to kill norovirus (a similar virus without a shell). These disinfection options are described in List G of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Caregivers should strictly follow the instructions on the product label for proper use and downtime to ensure effective claims for killing. Only when used properly can workers guarantee efficiency.

What to watch for

Health officials have commented that hepatitis and adenovirus have several similar symptoms that need to be monitored, including diarrhea and nausea. But there are some specific symptoms associated with hepatitis. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, severe abdominal pain, fatigue, dark urine, light stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) are very common in children with hepatitis.

If children show these symptoms, they should be examined by a doctor. If hepatitis is diagnosed, the CDC also recommends that tests be performed to detect adenovirus.

Personal protection

Health officials remind people that basic public health precautions will provide protection against the virus. This includes washing your hands properly, avoiding close contact with people who are ill, staying home when you are sick, covering up coughing or sneezing, disinfecting surfaces, and keeping your hands away from your face and eyes.