10-month-old boy diagnosed with acute hepatitis, origin unknown, MOH investigating case

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Saturday (Apr 30) that it was investigating a case of a 10-month-old baby boy diagnosed with hepatitis (liver inflammation) of unknown cause.

The child was brought to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital Emergency Department on Apr 25 and has been warded at the hospital for investigation.

It was reported that the child and his household contacts are well.

In its statement, MOH said that it was investigating the case to determine if it is similar to the other cases of acute hepatitis of unknown cause reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).

On Apr 5, WHO said it was notified of 10 cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children under the age of 10 years across central Scotland.

By Apr 8, 74 cases were identified in the United Kingdom.

WHO said on Apr 23 that there have been continuing further reports of such cases, and investigations are ongoing for the causative agent.

As of Apr 21, at least 169 cases have been reported worldwide, affecting children aged one month to 16 years old.

Approximately 10 per cent or 17 children have required liver transplantation, and at least one death has been reported, said WHO.

MOH also revealed that the infant was infected with Covid-19 in December last year, but there is no evidence to date that acute hepatitis is linked to the virus.

“Laboratory testing has determined the case to be negative for the common viruses that cause hepatitis,” said a MOH representative in a Straits Times report.

“MOH is monitoring the situation closely and has informed all medical practitioners to be vigilant to young children presenting signs and symptoms of hepatitis for which a cause cannot be identified.”

MOH urged parents and guardians to be alert to the signs of hepatitis such as dark urine, pale, grey coloured faces, jaundice, itchy skin, fever, nausea, muscle or joint pain, vomiting or abdominal pain or loss of appetite.

They are advised to seek early medical attention should symptoms arise.

“Normal hygiene measures such as hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene help to reduce the spread of many common infections, including adenovirus infection,” added MOH./TISG

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