Public Health Alert: Multi-symptom syndrome associated with COVID-19 reported in children

 

Officials in Dutchess County have issued a public health advisory as a coronavirus-related illness has been reported in over 100 children across New York State.

On Tuesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo said the state is looking into over 100 cases of the disease that displays symptoms similar to Kawasaki Disease and Toxic Shock Syndrome.

“Inflammatory markers may be elevated, and fever and abdominal symptoms may be prominent. Rash also may be present. Myocarditis and other cardiovascular changes may be seen. Additionally, some patients have developed cardiogenic or vasogenic shock and required intensive care. This inflammatory syndrome may occur days to weeks after acute COVID-19 illness,” according to the Dutchess County Department of Health.

Symptoms to watch out for:

  • Prolonged fever (more than five days)

  • Difficulty feeding (infants) or is too sick to drink fluids

  • Severe abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting

  • Change in skin color - becoming pale, patchy and/or blue

  • Trouble breathing or is breathing very quickly

  • Racing heart or chest pain

  • Decreased amount of frequency in urine

  • Lethargy, irritability or confusion

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Out of the 100 cases reported as of May 12, 29-percent of cases were in children ages 5-9, and 28-percent were ages 10-14.

The illness has killed three children in New York – a 5-year-old boy in New York City, a 7-year-old boy in Westchester and a 18-year-old girl in Suffolk County.

New York hospitals will be prioritizing testing for children showing symptoms of this “mysterious illness,” according to Melissa DeRosa, secretary to Gov. Cuomo. Hospitals must immediately report cases of pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19 in patients who are less than 21 years of age to NYSDOH.

"Initially we thought COVID-19 didn't affect children, and now we're dealing with a disturbing issue where we have about 100 cases of an inflammatory disease in children that seems to be created by the virus,” Governor Cuomo said.  “New York is leading the investigation of this situation and we are advising all hospitals and medical providers to prioritize diagnostic testing for any children that are displaying symptoms of this illness."

 

More info and updates on the coronavirus in the Hudson Valley: LINK

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