IDI Provides Suggestions Concerning Mysterious Acute Hepatitis

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chairman of the Executive Council of the Indonesian Medical Association (PB IDI) Adib Khumaidi, along with the Indonesian Pediatric Society (Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia - IDAI) urged all respective medical practitioners and the general public, especially parents and children, to continue exercising health protocols in relation to the recent report on mysterious hepatitis infection.

The notion was stated by PB-IDI to all stakeholders as a follow up to a Circular Letter issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Minsitry of Health through the Directorate General for Disease Prevention and Control number HK.02.02/C/2515/2022 concerning Awareness against Discovery of Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Aetiology Case on April 27, 2022.

Adib said that currently the mysterious hepatitis disease have been officially published as Estraordinary Incident by the WHO following recent increase in reports of similar cases. More than 170 cases have been reported by 12 countries.

Adib reuested all professional organization under PB-IDI, doctors and medical practitioners assigned in various first tier health facilities, such as public health centers, integrated healthcare center, private clinics, and general practitioners to remain cautious of hepatitis symptoms on children and adults.

The acute hepatitis displayed several symptoms, such as change in the color of urine and/or excrement, ithcy rash, joint pains or stiffness, high fever, queasiness, vomitting, stomachache, fatigue, and/or loss of apetite, diarrhea, seizures, and over 500 U/L level of aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase.

"Meanwhile, based on laboratory examination there was no Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E virus discovered. However, in several cases, SARS-CoV-2 and/or adenovirus were discovered. Therefore, further pathogen examination must be conducted," Adib said.

Meanwhile, General Chairman of IDAI Executive Council Basarah Yanuarso, also urged all pediatrician and resident doctors to monitor such symptoms on their patients. IDAI urged the general public to remain calm and cautious, prevent infection by washing hands, drink clean potted water, eat well cooked and clean meal, dispose of diapers properly, use their own eating utensils, wear masks, and maintain a safe distance.

Currently, clinical and public health response have been implemented in the United Kingdom and several countries experiencing similar cases to coordinati any new case discoveries and any efforts to investigate the cause of the disease. The Indonesian Ministry of Health and Health Agencies is currently making further investigations on exposure history and further virology/microbiology tests.

IDI and IDAI gave their full support towards the government's effort through coordination between medical experts in relation to a comprehensive investigation of cases suspected to be acute hepatitis. IDI and IDAI also requested for assistance and support from all medical officers to actively educate the people to immediately visit the nearest medical center if a child or their relatives are experiencing symptoms.

ANTARA