'Aggressive' Coronavirus-Connected Syndrome Affects NJ Kids

NEW JERSEY – An "aggressive" illness that's connected to the coronavirus is now posing a threat to New Jersey's children, state health officials said during a Tuesday news conference. The information came as Gov. Phil Murphy announced 708 new cases and 51 more deaths in the coronavirus outbreak (you can watch it here, below).

The update comes as the total number of coronavirus cases has risen to 161,545, and 11,770 people have died in New Jersey. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said the syndrome, which has affected 32 children, is not Kawasaki disease as originally thought. This illness more closely resembles "toxic shock syndrome," she said, which is a rare, life-threatening complication of certain types of bacterial infections.

The rare syndrome has led to at least three deaths in New York. The CDC recently put out a warning to doctors, requesting providers report any patients showing symptoms of a multisystem inflammatory syndrome. Read more: Could Bucks Co. Girl Be PA's 1st With Rare COVID-Linked Syndrome?

Persichilli said the syndrome is affecting children of all ages, too, and she's seen it impact kids who were anywhere from 1 to 18 years old. Indeed, she said, most of the cases have impacted older children.

And it's something that's impacted children who either tested positive for coronavirus, or had positive antibodies that were discovered, Persichilli said.

"Although there are still unknowns about the illness, it is believed to be an abnormal, aggressive immune response to the virus," she said.

Persichilli didn't identify symptoms other than abdominal pain, seizure symtoms and fever. Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome usually include a sudden high fever, low blood pressure, vomiting or diarrhea and headaches, according to the Mayo Clinic.

"So parents: You should be especially aware of your children if they have a fever, if they have a fever for several days as well as severe abdominal pain and seizure symptoms," she said.

Persichilli said seven children are still hospitalized, and the syndrome appears to have affected a disproportionate number of African-Americans. No one has died.

The information also came as Murphy said the declining daily coronavirus case numbers – which are literally one-fourth of what they were a month ago – show that the efforts New Jersey has made in slowing the progress of the coronavirus are working.

"Social distancing works. Wearing a face covering works," Murphy said. "As we undertake a greater economic restart on June 15th, we will need to keep up with both of these practices."

Murphy presented charts that showed the declining rate of cases:

He also showed the declining rate of hospitalizations:

Murphy said the improving numbers has allowed New Jersey to take more steps in reopening New Jersey's economy. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Reopenings: What's Open Now, What's Opening Next

Murphy, speaking during a Monday news conference, said he plans to open gyms, hair and nail salons, indoor retail and outdoor dining in New Jersey. Read more: Gov. Murphy To Reopen NJ Dining, Gyms, Salons Amid Coronavirus

Watch Murphy here:

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