LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – The Southern Nevada Health District is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration 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 non-viral acute hepatitis in November 2020. The cause of their illness was unknown at the time.
The five children needed hospitalization, but have since recovered, according to the health district.
Patients lived in four different homes.
SNHD says six more people have reported having less severe symptoms that include vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite and fatigue. These patients include three adults and three children.
According to the health district, to date it has been found that the consumption of alkaline water of the brand “Real Water” was the only common link identified between all cases.
The FDA says it is conducting additional investigation into the facility. The health district continues to monitor cases of acute non-viral hepatitis.
The FDA released the following statement from Frank Yiannas, Deputy Commissioner of Food Policy and Response:
“The FDA is committed to protecting the health of Americans and is especially concerned when there is a food safety issue that affects our youngest and some of the most vulnerable in the population: infants and young children. reports of acute non-viral hepatitis in Nevada, which affected five young children, the FDA quickly activated a team to investigate further.We are working closely with the CDC, states and local partners to complete our investigation and monitor if there are additional diseases.
“We are advising 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 may be related “Although research is ongoing, analysis of CDC 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 acute non-viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by exposure to toxins, autoimmune diseases, or drinking too much alcohol. Although hepatitis can have many causes, symptoms usually include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-colored stools, joint pain, and yellow skin or eyes.
Anyone with these symptoms should contact their doctor.