Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that has a wide range of causes. Viral infections, especially those caused by the hepatitis A, B and C viruses, may lead to the condition. Heavy drinking, certain toxic chemicals, some medications and other medical conditions can also cause hepatitis.
The Alabama Department of Public Health has recorded nine unexplained cases of hepatitis in otherwise healthy children under the age of 10 that occurred between last October and February. None of the children died, but several developed liver failure and two required liver transplants.
Bertha Hidalgo, an epidemiologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, agreed: “A cluster of cases, especially among this age group, is definitely something to monitor closely.”