RSPI Asks People To Live A Clean Life To Avoid Acute Hepatitis

JAKARTA - The Sulianti Saroso Infectious Disease Hospital (RSPI) asked the public to practice clean and healthy lifestyles to avoid contracting acute hepatitis.

"The cause of this acute or mysterious hepatitis is not yet known, but the suspect is the main causative agent from adenovirus. This adenovirus lives in the digestive and respiratory tracts, and that is what we need to be aware of," said Sulianti Saroso Hospital Doctor, Ernie Setyawati in a webinar themed "Beware and Prevent Acute Hepatitis" which was followed in Jakarta, Wednesday, May 25.

He added, because adenovirus lodges in the respiratory and digestive tracts, one of the prevention efforts that can be done is by regularly washing hands.

Then, cook food and drinks until completely cooked. The reason is, food or drink that is not cooked is likely to be contaminated with adenovirus.

He added, using personal eating utensils, wearing masks, and keeping a distance are also important as a way to prevent acute hepatitis.

"Covid-19 health protocols can be implemented to prevent the spread of mysterious hepatitis," he said.

Ernie reminded that acute hepatitis is a dangerous disease. Hepatitis that attacks at this time is considered acute because it attacks children aged under 16 years who are initially healthy suddenly and have severe symptoms. Therefore, he continued, it is important to recognize the characteristics of acute hepatitis, including weakness and lethargy, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

If the patient experiences an increase in symptoms, the urine is concentrated like tea and pale white stools, the skin and eyes are yellow.

"In severe cases, patients can experience loss of consciousness," he explained.

Previously, the President Director of RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Jakarta Lies Dina L emphasized that diet is an important key to avoid transmission of acute hepatitis in children, the cause of which is still unknown.

"People are asked not to panic but really have to be careful, because this disease will damage very quickly," he said.

To this day, the world of health still has not found the exact cause of acute hepatitis that infects children. However, that does not mean that the mysterious disease cannot be prevented.

Lies said prevention can start at home. Parents can start to ensure that their children get good and sufficient nutrition through healthy foods that are managed in a clean and controlled manner.