According to health authorities, the disease of unknown origin affecting children has been reported recently in the United States and Europe and is now in Southeast Asia (Indonesia and Singapore) as well as Japan and the Maldives.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – A new strain of hepatitis of unknown origin is affecting children worldwide, and Asia is struggling with it.
In Indonesia, local health authorities recently reported the death of three children in Jakarta due to the disease. All three were admitted to the Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital after symptoms related to acute hepatitis appeared.
As in the other cases reported in the United States and Europe, this strain differs from others commonly known.
Given the situation, the Indonesian Ministry of Health issued a countrywide warning about the risks of this unknown disease which has affected children aged six months to 15 years.
“While we are still investigating the case, we strongly urge our fellow citizens to take precautions to avoid the possibility of contracting the virus,” said Dr Siti Nadia Tarmizi, spokeswoman for the ministry.
To this end, people should “wash their hands, eat well-cooked food, and avoid physical contact with patients,” she added.
According to the latest data released by the World Health Organisation, some 228 cases were reported in 20 countries in recent weeks.
In Asia, in addition to Indonesia, other cases have been reported in Japan, the Maldives, and Singapore.