WCHD Administrator Jenna Link Talks Hepatitis Virus Affecting Children 10 and Under

A recent virus affecting the liver in children 10 and under has caused concerns. It is believed the Type 41 Hepatitis strain generated from the adenovirus, explains Warren County Health Department Administrator Jenna Link:

“For whatever reason this particular strain, which is Type 41, is causing some issues with the liver. So, hepatitis is inflammation of liver, it has nothing to do with Hepatitis A, B, or C that we typically talk about. This is just the adenovirus that can cause inflammation of the liver, mostly in these children that are 10 and under. That is really rare for it to do that. The adenovirus is kind of a potential there, maybe some immunocompromised within the children. We have been trying to just warn parents to keep an eye out. Typically, it is diarrhea, vomiting, fever, but when the liver gets attacked, then you start seeing the yellowing of the skin and eyes, the jaundice that we talk about. You know that there are further complications going on than normal and you should really go see your healthcare provider.”

Cases of the Type 41 virus have been reported in Western Illinois.

**Written by WMOI/WRAM Director of Communications Kelsey Crain**