On April 21, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued its own national health alert following nine cases of unexplained hepatitis detected in Alabama. North Carolina has also reported cases since then. The cause of this health concern is still being investigated, but authorities speculate that the adenovirus may be responsible. The adenovirus, specifically type 41 adenovirus (which is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in children), has been found in a large number of infected children. The concern is that if hepatitis is the result of an adenovirus infection, it is potentially contagious.
What is an adenovirus?
According to the CDC, adenoviruses are common viruses that can cause a number of diseases. They can cause cold-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, pink eye (conjunctivitis) and more. People can get an adenovirus infection at any age, but those with a weakened immune system are usually more susceptible. There are more than 50 types of adenoviruses that can affect humans and these viruses without shells are relatively resistant to common disinfectants. As a result, they can live for days or months on surfaces. These viruses are transmitted by infected people through touch (handshake), through the air (coughing and sneezing) or by touching infected surfaces and transmitting the virus to the mouth, nose or eyes.
How to fight the adenovirus?
Because this is a virus without a shell, not all disinfectants will be effective in killing it. The CDC recommends the use of disinfectants bearing the killing claims for norovirus (a similar, bare-shell virus). These disinfection options are described in List G of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Guard professionals should strictly follow the instructions on the product label for proper application and shelf life to guarantee effective killing claims. Only when used properly can employees guarantee efficiency.
What to watch out for
Health officials comment that hepatitis and adenovirus have some similar symptoms to look out for, such as diarrhea and nausea. But there are some specific symptoms associated with hepatitis. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, severe abdominal pain, fatigue, dark-colored urine, light-colored stools, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) are all very common in children with hepatitis. If children experience these symptoms, they should be seen by a doctor. If hepatitis is detected, the CDC also recommends that you be tested for adenovirus.
Personal protection
Health officials are reminding people that basic public health precautions will provide protection against the virus. This includes washing your hands properly, avoiding close contact with people who are ill, staying home when you are sick, covering up coughing or sneezing, disinfecting surfaces, and keeping your hands away from faces and eyes.
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