Question

Alarmingly high number of people describing similar acute symptoms. An investigation team composed of medical professionals and scientists was assigned to determine the root of the problem. 30 patients from different parts of the town exhibited similar symptoms at various hospitals in town.

Symptoms include vomiting, liver damage, abdominal pain and edema.
Aside from the symptoms reported, patients appear intact, that is no cuts or skin bruises.

Thorough analysis of blood, urine and stool for microbial pathogens did not identify any known pathogens. All patients do not recall specific trauma leading to these symptoms, nor visiting an exotic place in the months before the outbreak. Patient’s ages range from 10-55 with a clear trend of increased severity of the symptoms amongst young patients (under 16).

Patient’s ethnicity is diverse.

Below is an initial list of questions to guide you in solving the case. Note, it is an initial list and you are expected to come up with further ideas at the workshop.
2. What may cause the signs and symptoms? (I think it is, Bacterial Infection but I cannot guess the stain/type)

Answer 1

the disease is acute viral hepatitis,which is an inflammatory condition of the liver.

It can be caused due to any of the hepatitis virus but commonly is caused by hepatitis A virus followed by Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis A  is commonly transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated by feces from a person infected with hepatitis A.

The common signs and symptoms are

• Decreased appetite

• Malaise

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever

• Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen

• Liver damage can also be seen