LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 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 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 recommends consumers, restaurants, and retailers to stop drinking, cooking, selling, or serving “Aigua Real” alkaline water.
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.