RSPI Sulianti Saroso: Acute Hepatitis Not Relates To COVID-19 Vaccination

PIXABAY ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - RSPI Sulianti Saroso confirmed that acute hepatitis in children was not related to the COVID-19 vaccination that had been given.

"Of the many pediatric patients affected, many of them have not even been vaccinated. Acute hepatitis due to the effects of vaccination is a hoax," said the head of the infection prevention and control committee of the Sulianti Saroso Hospital, Titi Sundari, as quoted by Antara, Wednesday, May 11.

According to him, the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) has also confirmed that acute hepatitis has nothing to do with COVID-19 vaccination.

Until now, he continued, the World Health Organization (WHO) called Acute Hepatitis as Hepatitis of Unknown Aetiology (Acute Hepatitis Of Unknown Aetiology).

Although the exact cause of acute hepatitis in children is not known, Titi Sundari said the initial suspicion was that it was caused by a virus that mainly attacks the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract.

"The laboratory showed that hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses were not found to be the cause of this acute hepatitis," he explained.

Transmission of Acute Hepatitis is one of them through oral or dirty food because it is contaminated from sick patients.

To prevent transmission, the public is advised to maintain cleanliness by washing hands with soap and running water.

Then, ensure that the food or drink consumed is cooked, do not share eating utensils with other people and avoid contact with sick people to avoid transmission.

Meanwhile, to prevent transmission of Acute Hepatitis through the respiratory tract. This is done by implementing health protocols such as wearing masks, maintaining distance, and reducing mobility.

Therefore, Titi Sundari emphasized that it is important to intensify education on healthy living for children from parents, including teachers, to students.

In addition, parents and teachers must also know the early symptoms of acute hepatitis, namely nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever.

"If any symptoms appear, you must start to be alert, immediately take him to a doctor or health facility for examination," continued Titi Sundari.

According to him, the symptoms will get worse, such as thick colored urine like tea, seizures and even decreased consciousness.

"Don't wait until it happens because these conditions indicate that the hepatitis infection is already severe," he said.