JAKARTA - General Chairperson of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) Piprim B Yanuarso said reports of acute hepatitis experienced by patients in Tulungagung, East Java and West Sumatra districts had not been categorized as probable.
"On Monday, there have not been many reports from the regions, only from Tulungagung and West Sumatra, but it has not entered the probable criteria because it has not met the requirements. It is still being investigated," said Piprim B Yanuarso in a virtual press conference attended by Zoom in Jakarta, Antara, Tuesday. , May 10.
He said the investigation of the case was carried out by IDAI and the Indonesian Ministry of Health by involving a team from the Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia (FKUI) to determine the possibility of other viral infections such as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E or others.
Cases of acute hepatitis that have spread in several countries, including Indonesia, have no known cause, so the public is advised to recognize the symptoms of the disease for early detection.
Piprim added, the symptoms of acute hepatitis can be a change in the color of the urine to dark and or pale stools. In more advanced stages there may be yellow in the eyes and on the skin.
"Then symptoms of itching can occur, it can be accompanied by joint pain, or aches, nausea and vomiting or abdominal pain. Then the child feels lethargic, tired, weak and loses appetite," he said.
Then it can also be accompanied by symptoms of diarrhea, as well as severe symptoms accompanied by decreased consciousness and convulsions. On laboratory examination, an increase in SGOT and SGPT results can be obtained which can reach more than 500 units/liter or more than 10 times the normal value.
"We urge the public to take the next step to remain calm, not panic, but remain vigilant and careful," he said.
To prevent transmission of infection, people must be diligent in washing their hands with soap or with a liquid disinfectant. Drink clean boiled water, eat clean and fully cooked food, dispose of feces or disposable diapers in place. Use your own cutlery, wear a mask, and keep your distance.
"For early detection, if you find children with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, yellow eyes, decreased consciousness, seizures, lethargy and high fever, they should be checked at the nearest health service facility," he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Covid-19 Handling Task Force of the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) Zubairi Djoerban via Twitter @ProfesorZubairi said that cases of acute hepatitis had nothing to do with the COVID-19 vaccine or long Covid.
"This hypothesis is not supported by data, because most of the children affected by this mysterious hepatitis have not received the COVID-19 vaccination," he said.
Zubairi conveyed the case in Alabama, of the nine children, none of whom had a history of COVID-19 infection, and did not receive the vaccine. According to him, from the data it is also known that the incidence of Long Covid in children is very rare. In Indonesia, of the three cases, all of them were found to be negative for COVID-19 and one was comorbid.
To prevent infection, Zubairi invites the public to maintain cleanliness. "Hand hygiene is the first line of defense for the spread of this disease. Keep your home, office clean, and prioritize good hygiene practices for children. Stay alert," he said.
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