Mysterious Coronavirus-Related Illness in Children: Warning Signs to Look For

An initial health alert was issued early last week in New York City after reports of more than a dozen mysterious illness were identified in children admitted to city hospitals. The said mysterious illness is being linked to coronavirus. As of this writing, the rare illness has claimed three lives, while two more deaths are under investigation. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also announced that there are 93 cases identified and being closely monitored statewide. 

Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome

Doctors are referring to the condition as a pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome and health experts suspect it is likely linked to the coronavirus disease. These conditions were not yet acknowledged by state officials a week ago until cases now are being identified all over the country on newborns and teenagers. 

According to Gov. Cuomo last Saturday, the children inflected with the illness, "happened to have the COVID antibodies, or be positive for COVID". However, these were not the symptoms they showed when they came into the hospital, Cuomo added. 

It is important to note that the Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome does not show the symptoms of coronavirus in children who have been diagnosed. Instead, it shows the symptoms similar to Kawasaki Disease and Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Similar Diseases: Kawasaki Disease and Toxic Shock Syndrome

Kawasaki Disease is an illness in young children that causes blood vessels to become inflamed. The inflammation limits the blood flow to the heart. Symptoms of which include high temperature lasting over five days, a rash, swollen neck glands, cracked lips, swelling or puffiness of hands and feet, and redness of eyes. 

Kawasaki disease commonly affects children under the age of five. While the said disease is noted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as a leading cause of acquired heart disease in the United States and coronary artery enlargement and aneurysms, it is treatable. 

Toxic shock syndrome, on the other hand, is a serious disease that involves fever, shock, and problems with body organs. This is caused by a toxin produced by staphylococcus bacteria. 

In pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, "Your immune system is overreacting to the virus, and because these are inflammatory diseases, this overreaction can cause a Kawasaki-like disease." according to pediatrician Dr. Glenn Budnick.

Early Symptoms 

The NYC Health Department warned that common complaints of children include fever, more than half reported rashes, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Less than half of the pediatric patients in the city reported shortness of breath. At Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital, Dr. George Ofori, Pediatric Critical Care Director reported of other symptoms such as a rash, conjunctivitis, and in some cases, cracked lips.

In the city's medical alert, Demetre Daskalakis, the Deputy Commissioner of Disease Control with the New York City Health Department warned parents to see pediatricians should the child show early symptoms of Kawasaki Disease or toxic shock as early recognition and a pediatrician's referral to a specialist is essential. Early intervention can help prevent organ damage and other long-term problems. 

Governor Cuomo reported that a national criterion for the health department and hospital systems in 49 states is being developed by the New York State Dept. of Health in partnership with the CDC to aid in identification, tracking and responding to children showing symptom. Doctors revealed that symptoms do not show until four to six weeks after exposure to the virus.