Media Statement Regarding Paediatric Severe, Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Origin

Key Messages:
•    This is a rare occurrence. 
•    There has not been an unusual spike in cases in Australia.
•    Ongoing surveillance in Australia is occurring. 
•    It is not known if there is a link to COVID-19. There is no known link to the COVID-19 vaccine.
•    Practice thorough hand washing (including supervising children).
•    Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
•    Contact your health professional if you are concerned about your child’s health.

Gastroenterological Society of Australia paediatric hepatologist Professor Winita Hardikar offers the following clinical advice to parents/carers: “In Australia, each year we see a small number of children with an unexplained hepatitis, some of whom are sick enough to require a liver transplant. We have not seen an unusual spike in cases here but are undertaking surveillance.”

Monitoring Symptoms: 
Parents/Carers should be alert to the symptoms and contact a healthcare professional without delay if they are concerned. 
•    Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite or fever (above 38 degrees). 
•    Patients might develop yellow colouring of the skin and eyes, called ‘jaundice,’ along with dark urine and pale-coloured faeces (poo). 

For Further Advice Contact Your Health Professional:
•    Speak to a nurse by calling in Victoria ‘Nurse on Call’ 1300 60 60 24 , and in Qld 13HEALTH.  In all other states, contact Healthdirect.  (Healthdirect Australia is a government funded information service reached by calling 1800 022 222).
•    Call your General Practice to speak with a GP or Practice Nurse.
•    For emergencies go to a local hospital Emergency Department or call an ambulance.

For general inquiries about viral hepatitis contact the National Hepatitis Infoline on 1800 437 222 to speak to the community hepatitis organisation in your State or Territory. Do not call the National Hepatitis Infoline if you need urgent clinical advice or medical attention.

GESA Media Contact:  Fiona K Bailey (mediaenquiry@gesa.org.au ) 

References:
•    World Health Organization (WHO) Disease Outbreak News. Multi-Country – Acute, severe hepatitis of unknown origin in children (23 April 2022) https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON376
•    UK Health. Guidance: Increase in acute hepatitis cases of unknown aetiology in children (8 April 2022) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hepatitis-increase-in-acute-cases-of-unknown-aetiology-in-children/increase-in-acute-hepatitis-cases-of-unknown-aetiology-in-children

Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) 
The Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) is the peak membership organisation for Australian healthcare professionals and researchers working in the fields of gastroenterology and hepatology. GESA sets, promotes, and continuously improves the standards of clinical practice in gastroenterology and hepatology throughout Australia.

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