Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The government shows its seriousness in handling Severe Acute Hepatitis which is currently still under investigation. In addition to issuing circulars related to finding cases of acute hepatitis, the government also asks parents to be vigilant in dealing with this disease.
Hanifah Oswari, a pediatrician from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), revealed the early symptoms that often occur in this case. According to Hanifah, the thing to watch out for in children is complaints of digestive disorders. Some children who experience this mysterious hepatitis initially complain of diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
“Regarding severe acute hepatitis whose cause is unknown, we have seen case reports that have started with gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, sometimes accompanied by low-grade fever,” said Hanifah. in a press conference of the Ministry of Health on Thursday (5/5/2022).
More severe symptoms such as blood clots and also decreased consciousness.
“Therefore, don’t wait until the yellow is brought to the health facility [faskes]. Take our children to the health workers so that the health workers can think further about what to do and not lose momentum. Don’t wait to lose consciousness and cause death,” said Hanifah.
Although the cause has not been found, Hanifah said there are preventive steps that can be taken because this virus is suspected to be transmitted through the respiratory and digestive tracts. To maintain the respiratory tract, it can be done like the Covid-19 prevention health protocol, namely by washing hands with soap, wearing masks, and keeping a distance.
“To maintain the digestive tract, you can wash your hands with soap before eating and drinking, ensure that food and drinks are cooked, and don’t use shared eating utensils, and don’t come in contact with sick people,” said Hanifah.
Parents are advised to be aware of these early symptoms before they lead to hepatitis. The reason, according to Hanifah, if it is severe, the child will need a liver transplant.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported cases of acute hepatitis affecting children in Europe, America and Asia since April 15, 2022. The cause of this acute hepatitis is unknown. However, the awareness of this disease is increasing after three pediatric patients who were treated at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM) Jakarta passed away at different times with the span of the last two weeks until April 30, 2022.
(Teti Purwanti/dem)
–
