Ministry of Health: 14 Suspected Cases of Acute Hepatitis in Indonesia as of May 17, 2022

The Ministry of Health recorded 14 suspected cases of acute hepatitis in children as of Wednesday (18/5/2022). Of these, 13 cases are pending classification and one case is probable.

Details show that 6 patients died. Four patients are still hospitalized, and four have been discharged or recovered.

The Director of Sulianti Saroso Infectious Disease Hospital (RSPI), Mohammad Syahril, stated that the deceased patients were not infected with Covid-19 nor had comorbidities. According to Syahril, the patients died due to delayed access to healthcare facilities.

Of the 14 cases, one probable case resulted in death, and the remaining thirteen patients are awaiting test results.

Based on location, the suspected acute hepatitis cases originated from DKI Jakarta (7 cases), East Java (3 cases), Jambi, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra (1 case each).

Based on age, the majority of suspected acute hepatitis cases, or 7 cases, were in children under 5 years old. Half of the cases were in the 6-16 year age range.

The Ministry of Health continues to strive to detect acute hepatitis cases in Indonesia by conducting pathogen analysis using Whole Genome Sequencing Technology (WGS) and public education on hepatitis. The public is urged to maintain hygiene and health to protect children from acute hepatitis.