MN Parents Should Watch For Signs Of Hepatitis In Children: MDH

TWIN CITIES, MN — The Minnesota Department of Health is asking parents to watch for signs of liver inflammation in their children following a nationwide hepatitis outbreak that may have made its way to the state.

Parents should be especially wary if their children have recently suffered from either upper respiratory or stomach-intestinal illnesses.

State epidemiologists are currently investigating three Minnesota children under age 3 who had liver inflammation. The three kids may be part of a national cluster of hepatitis in children, health officials said.

One of the Minnesota children needed a liver transplant, according to officials. He has since recovered. The other two Minnesota children were able to get better without a liver transplant.

There are also two non-resident children in Minnesota hospitals with illnesses possibly related to the national outbreak. Those cases have been referred to their respective state health departments.

Nationwide, at least 109 children in 25 different states have been identified as part of the cluster of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of the children in these cases experienced vomiting and diarrhea, as well as upper respiratory symptoms before they were hospitalized, health officials said.

These children later had yellowing eyes and skin and an enlarged liver.

At least 228 probable cases in 20 countries around the globe have been identified, the World Health Organization reported.

Among the national cases, prior to hospitalization, most of the children experienced vomiting and diarrhea, while some experienced upper respiratory symptoms. During hospitalization, most had yellowing eyes and skin, and an enlarged liver.

Scientists believe this train of hepatitis may be associated with infection with a type of virus known as adenovirus type 41. Adenovirus 41 often causes vomiting and diarrhea in children, but it is not typical for the virus to cause hepatitis in otherwise healthy children, officials said.

Reported cases of hepatitis across the United States date back to as early as the fall of 2021. These illnesses have occurred in children younger than 10 years old.

"If your child recently had vomiting and diarrhea or symptoms of a common cold and then develops yellowing of the eyes and skin, it is important to have your child evaluated by a health care provider right away," said Minnesota State Epidemiologist Dr. Ruth Lynfield in a statement.

"Other symptoms can include abdominal pain, fatigue, dark urine and clay-colored stools. Getting medical care quickly can help diagnose and treat the condition as needed."

Advice for parents

While the investigation into the illnesses unfolds, health officials say the best advice for people seeking to protect themselves and their children is to use the general disease prevention measures. These include:

• Frequent and thorough hand washing
• Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick