Coronavirus-linked syndrome sending kids to intensive care. Here’s what we know
Serious symptoms linked to the coronavirus are sending young children to intensive care units, public health officials say.
The syndrome, which resembles Kawasaki disease and toxic shock, was first reported in London in late April. But now officials in New York City say 15 children there have been hospitalized with the mysterious symptoms.
According to public health officials in London and New York, not all kids who develop the symptoms have tested positive for COVID-19.
Kawasaki disease is a rare but potentially serious heart condition normally found in children under 5 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease “is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in the United States,” the CDC said.
In both cities, cases of the disease have required children to be put in intensive care for problems with their heart or breathing.
“Only severe cases may have been recognized at this time,” Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, with the New York City Health Department, said in a memo to doctors Monday.
All of the kids identified with the syndrome in New York had high fevers, Daskalakis said, similar to what doctors found in London.
“All patients had subjective or measured fever and more than half reported rash, abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Respiratory symptoms were reported in less than half of these patients,” according to the memo. “More than half of the reported patients required blood pressure support and five required mechanical ventilation.”
None of the children found with the syndrome in New York have died, Daskalakis said. He said doctors who treat kids with these symptoms should refer their patients to specialists or intensive care immediately.
A high fever is also one of the main symptoms of Kawasaki disease, according to The Mayo Clinic. Other early symptoms include red eyes, swollen lymph nodes, dry, cracked lips, and red, swollen skin on hands and feet.
The symptoms of toxic shock include a fever that comes on quickly, diarrhea or vomiting, low blood pressure, muscle aches, headache and seizures, according to The Mayo Clinic. Toxic shock can cause a sunburn-like rash on patients’ palms and the soles of their feet.
The World Health Organization is investigating the syndrome, according to NBC News.
“We are aware of this newly described syndrome from a number of countries in Europe and potentially a small number of cases in North America,” WHO’s Dr. Adam Finn told reporters last week, NBC reports.
This story was originally published May 5, 2020 at 6:26 AM with the headline "Coronavirus-linked syndrome sending kids to intensive care. Here’s what we know."
