This year’s theme is “Hepatitis can’t wait”, conveying the urgency of efforts needed to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
By Ivy Maloy
World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and hepatocellular cancer. This year’s theme is “Hepatitis can’t wait”, conveying the urgency of efforts needed to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. With a person dying every 30 seconds from a hepatitis related illness – even in the current COVID-19 crisis – we can’t wait to act on viral hepatitis.
Your child can get hepatitis by being exposed to a virus that causes it. There are 5 main types of the hepatitis virus: A, B, C, D, and E. The most common symptoms of hepatitis include a yellowish color to the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) and flu-like symptoms. Some children don’t have any symptoms.
What children are at risk of hepatitis?
Children who are exposed to a virus that causes hepatitis are more likely to get hepatitis.
Hepatitis A
This form of the virus is passed through fecal-oral contact. It’s spread to children in the following ways:
- Eating food made by an infected person who didn’t wash their hands well after using the bathroom
- Drinking water that is contaminated by infected feces. This is a problem in developing countries.
- Touching an infected person’s feces or dirty diaper and then putting your hands near your mouth. Outbreaks may happen in child-care centers.
- International travel to areas where hepatitis A is common
- Using illegal drugs
- Blood transfusions (very rare)
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is spread when blood from an infected person enters another person’s body. It can be spread through needle sticks and sharp instruments. It can also be spread by sharing personal items such as razors and toothbrushes.
Babies may catch the virus during pregnancy if their mother has the virus. Children can spread it to others through household contact or through scrapes or cuts. The following children are at risk for hepatitis B:
- Children born to mothers with hepatitis B
- Children born to mothers who have come from a country where hepatitis B is widespread. These include Southeast Asia and China.
- Children who live in long-term care facilities or who are disabled
- Children who live in households where someone is infected with the virus
- Children who have a blood-clotting problem and need blood products. This can include hemophilia.
- Children who need dialysis for kidney failure
- Teens who do high-risk activities. These include IV (intravenous) drug use and unprotected sex.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C passes through infected blood. It can also be passed through sexual contact. Moms can also pass it to their babies during pregnancy. The following children are at risk for hepatitis C:
- Children born to mothers who have the virus
- Children who have a blood clotting problem, such as hemophilia
- Children who need dialysis for kidney failure
Teens who do high-risk activities. These include IV (intravenous) drug use and unprotected sex.
Hepatitis D
This type of hepatitis can only happen with hepatitis B. Hepatitis D can happen at the same time your child is infected with hepatitis B, or it can start later.
Hepatitis D can’t be spread from a mom to her baby during pregnancy. This condition is rare in children born in the U.S. This is because the hepatitis B vaccine is given to babies. Hepatitis D only happens in people already infected with hepatitis B.
Hepatitis E
This form of hepatitis is like hepatitis A. It’s spread through fecal-oral contact. Hepatitis E is most common in developing countries. It’s rare in the U.S.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis in a child?
Symptoms can happen a bit differently in each child. Some children don’t have any symptoms. Symptoms of sudden (acute) hepatitis may include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Not feeling well
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Sore muscles
- Itchy red hives on the skin
- Clay-colored stools
- Dark-colored urine
The symptoms of this condition may look like symptoms of other health problems. Parents should make sure their child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis. The main complications of hepatitis include liver failure, liver cancer, or death.
SOURCES