May 11, 2022

By Regan Tate

Health officials looking into two possible cases of severe acute hepatitis in Alberta

May 11, 2022 | 4:25 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB -There are two possible cases of severe acute hepatitis in youth in Alberta. Chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw says both cases reported late last week are in youth under the age of 16.

One individual has already been released from hospital and is recovering well at home while the other remains hospitalized. No information on which health zone the youths reside in is being released.

Hinshaw says late last week information was shared with physicians on what signs to look for and how to report cases of severe acute hepatitis with an unknown cause in children. “It is important to remember that the definition for possible cases is very broad which means any child with severe liver inflammation for whom a cause is not found is being counted,” Hinshaw stated during a media briefing Wednesday.

Hinshaw added there are many causes of hepatitis and it can take time to investigate and determine if there is a known cause. “I’d like to make it clear to parents that this reporting does not necessarily mean that there is an elevated risk in the community or that you should take different steps if your children are sick.”

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Hinshaw says if there is an infectious cause for these hepatitis cases precautions like regular hand washing and staying away from people when there are ill will be helpful.

Manitoba reported one confirmed case of severe acute hepatitis in a child. The World Health Organization estimates there are 300 probable cases in 20 countries.