Photo: Centers for Disease Control
(Lincoln, NE) — A nationwide pediatric hepatitis outbreak includes nine cases in Nebraska.
The Nebraska Department of Health confirms a total of 9 cases:
- 2 in Douglas County
- 2 in Sarpy County
- 2 in East Central Health District
- 1 case in Public Health Solutions district
- 1 case in Two Rivers
- 1 case in Southwest.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Advisory to notify clinicians and public health authorities of a cluster of children identified with hepatitis and adenovirus infection.
The CDC reports 109 cases of the pediatric hepatitis strain associated with adenovirus nationwide.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that can be caused by viral infections, alcohol use, toxins, medications, and certain other medical conditions. Signs and symptoms of hepatitis include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice.
Adenoviruses are doubled-stranded DNA viruses that spread by close personal contact, respiratory droplets, and on surfaces.