GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The mysterious hepatitis cases affecting children is now here in Michigan. There are now 2 cases on the east side of the state: one in Oakland County and one in the City of Detroit.
In total, there are 109 cases in 24 states across the U.S. The CDC says many of the children have tested positive for adenovirus but they still aren't certain that's the cause. All of the children affected are under the age of 7. Most of them recovered — however, five children in the U.S. have died and seven may require a liver transplant.
So far, there have been no cases here in West Michigan but Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Rosmary Olivero with Helen DeVos Children's Hospital says it is possible we may see some. Parents shouldn't panic yet, though.
"I'm not terribly worried. I mean, I think that again, when you have when you have the general rarity of the cases, meaning that it's so infrequent, I don't think it is cause for public panic. But I do think it's, of course, something that we need to have in our mind so that we can identify and care for those kids the best way possible."
Here are the symptoms the CDC says you should watch for in your child:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhrea
- Yellow eyes
- Yellowing of the skin
If you have concerns that you're child may have the mysterious hepatitis illness contact your pediatrician immediately.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.