LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – The Southern Nevada Health District is working with the US Food and Drug Administration and its state partners to investigate reports of non-viral acute hepatitis in Clark County.
SNHD says it received initial reports of five cases in children with acute non-viral hepatitis in November 2020. The cause of their illness at the time was unknown.
All five children needed hospitalization, but have since recovered, according to the health district.
Patients lived in four different households.
SNHD says six other people reported having less severe symptoms, which include vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite and fatigue. These patients include three adults and three children.
According to the sanitary district, so far, the consumption of alkaline water brand “Apa Real” has been found to be the only common link identified between all cases.
The FDA says it is conducting an additional investigation into the facility. The healthcare sector continues to monitor cases of non-viral acute hepatitis.
The FDA has issued the following statement to Frank Yiannas, Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response:
“The FDA is committed to protecting the health of Americans and is particularly concerned when there is a food safety issue affecting the youngest and most vulnerable in the population – infants and young children. Upon learning of reports of non-viral acute hepatitis in Nevada, impacting five young children, the FDA quickly activated a team to investigate further. We work closely with the CDC, the state and local partners to complete our investigation and monitor for possible additional diseases.
“We advise consumers, restaurants and retailers not to consume, cook, sell or serve” Real Water “alkaline water until more information is known about the cause of the disease. We are working to determine how alkaline water can be linked to disease. Although the investigation is ongoing, the CDC’s analysis of epidemiological information indicates that this alkaline water product may be the cause of the disease. We will provide additional updates as more information becomes available. ”
SNHD says that acute non-viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by exposure to toxins, autoimmune diseases or excessive alcohol consumption. Although hepatitis can have many causes, symptoms often include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light stools, joint pain, and yellow skin or eyes.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.