The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is investigating nine cases of pediatric hepatitis in children. Friday’s report follows a CDC advisory describing a cluster of cases of hepatitis in children, potentially associated with an adenovirus infection.
The hepatitis was identified in children between the ages of 1-9 between November 5, 2021, and March 6, 2022 Three of the nine tested positive for adenovirus. “Adenoviruses spread through respiratory droplets and through contact with contaminated surfaces,” says Dr. Matthew Donahue Nebraska State Epidemiologist. “They traditionally cause common colds, diarrhea, and pink eye. It’s not yet clear if these cases of hepatitis are a result of adenovirus infection, a combination of infections, or a factor not yet identified”
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. Here is a breakdown of the Nebraska cases:
- Two cases reported in Douglas County
- Two cases reported in Sarpy/Cass jurisdiction
- Two cases reported in East Central jurisdiction
- One case reported in Public Health Solutions jurisdiction
- One case reported in Two Rivers jurisdiction
- One case reported in Southwest jurisdiction