Fiji has had no cases of acute hepatitis or liver inflammation in children that have been reported in multiple countries including the United Kingdom, United States of America, Spain, Israel and France, but the Ministry of Health has alerted its specialist children’s doctors to keep a lookout.
At least one child has died, and 17 children require liver transplant out of nearly 200 cases, among children aged 1 month to 16 years old, reported in 11 countries to date, according to the World Health Organisation.
While further work and studies are ongoing to determine the cause of the cases and identify control and preventative measures, the WHO and US Centre for Disease Control recommend common prevention measures for adenovirus and other common infections including regular handwashing and respiratory hygiene, similar measures/habits practised to safeguard against COVID-19.
Symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting. Should their child experience abdominal pain or develop a fever, fatigue or muscle pain, parents are advised to get it checked by a doctor.
Meanwhile, whilst the majority of the cases have been reported in the UK, the WHO, based on current information, does not recommend any restriction on travel, and/or trade including with any other country where cases have been identified.
Cases have also been reported in Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy, Norway, France, Romania and Belgium.
