IDAI Says There Have Been No Findings Of Acute Hepatitis In Adults

Photo Illustration: Antara

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) confirmed that cases of acute hepatitis with no known cause have only been found in children, not adults.

Head of IDAI's Gastro-Hepatology Coordination Work Unit (UKK), Dr Muzal Kadim, SpA(K) said cases of acute hepatitis with no known cause were mostly found in children under the age of 16.

"So far, only children have been found. So the oldest is 16 years old. But the child is actually 18 years old, but this is the oldest 16 years old," he said in a virtual discussion, Saturday, May 7.

Therefore, said Muzal, so far no cases of acute hepatitis have been found in adults. This case of acute hepatitis attacks children because their immune system is not strong yet.

"Most are actually found under 6 years old," he said.

On the same occasion, Muzal also provided a way for first aid if he found symptoms of nausea, vomiting accompanied by diarrhea in children before being taken to the hospital. One of them is to provide drinking water to prevent dehydration.

"For first aid at home, of course, in general for children with diarrhea, first if there is a fever, you can give fever-reducing medicine. Then (to overcome) vomiting often enough, you can give anti-vomiting at home, so you don't get dehydrated. Then, drink enough. Diarrhea also make you dehydrated. First aid at home can also use plain water, "he said.

According to Muzal, if with the first treatment the symptoms are felt to have improved, there is no need to be taken to the hospital. However, if the condition still worsens, you can be taken to the hospital.

"If it completely disappears with first aid, it's most likely normal diarrhea which is endemic, right. If it's still better to be taken to the hospital. Just look at the condition, if it's fresh, it's not necessary," he explained.

For your information, the phenomenon of acute hepatitis with no known cause became the world's spotlight after the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) declared it an Extraordinary Event (KLB) on April 15, 2022. WHO received reports of 169 cases in 12 countries, including Indonesia.

In Indonesia, in the last two weeks or until April 30, 2022, it was reported that three pediatric patients died while being treated at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, with suspected acute hepatitis.