LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is working with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its state partners to investigate reports of acute non-viral 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 recommends that consumers, restaurants and retailers stop consuming, cooking, selling or serving “Real Water” alkaline water.
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.