Although COVID19 affects children less frequently, officials say they have been diagnosed in the New York area with a serious mystery illness connected to it that affects the heart and blood vessels.
The state’s Health Department said on Wednesday that 64children were hospitalised with “Pediatric Multi-System InflammatorySyndrome (PMSIS) Potentially Associated with COVID19”.
The children who were found to have inflammation of theblood vessels, including coronary arteries, also tested positive for COVID-19and many required respirators.
One of the affected children in New York City is of Indianorigin, according to WNBC TV.
Eight-year-old Jayden Hardowar’s parents told the stationthat he came down with it days after he seemed to be recovering from COVID19and had to have a ventilator.
In an advisory to hospitals and other medical facilities,the health department described it as similar to Kawasaki disease, which causesinflammation of the blood vessels, and toxic shock syndrome.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Kawasakidisease named for the Japanese doctor who first diagnosed it is a leading causeof acquired heart disease in the US.
New York City Health Commissioner Oxiris Barbot said thateven though children are by and large mildly affected by COVID19, they are moreseverely affected when PMSIS develops.
Detailing the symptoms, she said: “Generally, childrenpresent with prolonged high fevers, several days of very high fevers. They canalso have very red eyes, very brightly coloured lips. One of the hallmarks thatwe see is what we call a strawberry tongue, which means their tongue is verybright and red.”
They can also have a rash and swelling in the hands andfeet, she added.
“If any child is experiencing these symptoms,particularly in combination, call your doctor right away,” New York CityMayor Bill de Blasio said.
A state survey found that about three in five patientsadmitted to hospitals for COVID19 were over the age of 60, according to NewYork Governor Mario Cuomo.
Children developing COVID19 and PMSIS associated with it isconsidered a mystery and a warning of risks to young people, who should observethe coronavirus restrictions.