potretmaluku.id – Acute Hepatitis which is currently sweeping the world, is thought to have entered Indonesia, after three (3) children were reported to have died from being infected with this mysterious disease.
Information released by the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) yesterday (5/5/2022) stated that until now the Ministry of Health is still conducting an investigation through a complete virus panel examination, and an epidemiological investigation to find out more about the cause of this disease.
Although the exact cause of Acute Hepatitis in Children is not known, Prof. Dr. dr. Hanifah Oswari, Sp. A, who is a Pediatrician Consultant Gastro Hepatology RSCM FK UI stated that the initial suspicion was that it was caused by Adenovirus, SARS CoV-2, ABV virus etc. The virus mainly attacks the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract.
To prevent the risk of infection, Prof. Hanifah suggested that parents increase their vigilance by taking preventive measures. The first step that can be done is to maintain personal and environmental hygiene.
“To prevent from the digestive tract, maintain cleanliness by washing hands with soap, making sure the food or drink consumed is cooked, not using eating utensils together with other people and avoiding contact with our children from sick people so that children we stay healthy, “said researchers at RSCM and FC UI this in a press statement Thursday (5/5).
Early Symptoms of Acute Hepatitis
In addition, to prevent transmission of Acute Hepatitis through the respiratory tract by implementing COVID-19 health protocols such as wearing masks, maintaining distance and reducing mobility.
Another effort that can be made by the community to prevent transmission of Acute Hepatitis is the understanding of parents about the early symptoms of Acute Hepatitis.
Prof. Hanifah said that in general, the initial symptoms of acute hepatitis were nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by low-grade fever. Furthermore, the symptoms will get worse, such as thick urine like tea and dark stools.
If the child experiences these symptoms, parents are asked to immediately check the child to the nearest health service facility to get an initial diagnosis.
Do not wait until symptoms of jaundice appear or even loss of consciousness. Because these conditions indicate that the hepatitis infection is very severe. If it is too late to get medical treatment, then the momentum for doctors to help patients is very small.
“Take our children to the nearest health facility to get help from health workers. Do not wait until the symptoms are more severe, because if it is severe we lose the momentum to be able to help faster. Moreover, if there has been a decrease in consciousness, then the chance to save him is very small, “said Prof. Hanifah.
Therefore, it is necessary to have solid cooperation between parents, health workers and health care facilities so that they can find the symptoms of Acute Hepatitis as early as possible so that children can get medical help immediately.(*/TIA)
Author : Editor
Editor : Editor
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