REPORT FROM THE DOH – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is investigating at least 10 cases of acute liver inflammation and failure that have occurred in the state from May through September 2013. Thus far, the cases have been negative for infectious causes, have no history of engaging in high-risk social activities, and have no identified commonly expected risk factors for liver failure.
The only common finding among all the cases, at this point, is the use of a dietary or nutritional supplement for the purpose of weight loss and/or muscle gain in the past six months. Cases have been reported from every county in the state.
“We are still in the early stages of this investigation and we have not identified the exact source of this condition,” said Dr. Sarah Park, State Epidemiologist. “However, we want to alert the public because of our concern that more people could potentially become ill.”
DOH has issued a statewide Medical Advisory to clinicians, clinics, and emergency departments to facilitate identifying more possible cases. DOH is collaborating closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as the investigation may involve a federally regulated supplement with national distribution.
The department urges all persons who use dietary or nutritional supplements for weight loss and/or muscle gain to do so with caution and under their health care providers’ guidance and monitoring. Persons who develop symptoms, such as abdominal pain or discomfort, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and/or vomiting, and yellow skin or eyes, should consult their health care provider immediately.
DOH is responsible for monitoring, investigating, preventing, and controlling diseases of public health impact in Hawaii, as well as ensuring the state’s ability to respond to emergencies that threaten the public’s health.
[…] Department of Health Investigates Hepatitis, Liver Failure in People Taking …Hawaii Reporter, on Sat, 28 Sep 2013 07:38:08 -0700REPORT FROM THE DOH – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is investigating at least 10 cases of acute liver inflammation and failure that have occurred in the state from May through September 2013. Thus far, the cases have been negative for … […]
[…] Department of Health Investigates Hepatitis, Liver Failure in People Taking … REPORT FROM THE DOH – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is investigating at least 10 cases of acute liver inflammation and failure that have occurred in the state from May through September 2013. Thus far, the cases have been negative for … Read more on Hawaii Reporter […]
Recall the previous scare from Costco awhile ago? Recalled frozen berries sold in Hawaii may be linked to Hepatitis A https://www.khon2.com/2013/06/02/recalled-frozen-b…
The pending special session should address these issues instead.
DOH of Hawaii has been working for a great project. Hopefully they'll reach to solution of liver failure in people taking diet supplements. Thanks for giving such important notes regarding such topic.
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