4 NJ Kids Die Of COVID-19 Since Christmas, State Says

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey parents are being instructed to stay vigilant after four children died from COVID-19 since Christmas. The state also recently reported the highest-ever number of cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children in a single day.

Six cases were reported on Friday alone. There have been 10 new cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome since last week and 166 cumulative cases since the pandemic began.

Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) is a condition connected to COVID-19 infections. The Centers For Disease Control describes MIS-C as "a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. Children with MIS-C may have a fever and various symptoms, including abdominal (gut) pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, or feeling extra tired."

Six children are currently hospitalized with the syndrome as of Monday, said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli during a news conference.

"We must remain vigilant because as the virus has taught us the virus continues to test our health care system and can cost severe consequences among children. A reminder that COVID-19 isn't always a benign illness in children," said Persichilli.

Of the four pediatric deaths since Christmas, one child in north Jersey died of the multi-system inflammatory syndrome and an infant died in South Jersey prior to Jan. 24.

As of Monday, Jan. 24, two more infants under 10 months of age who tested positive for COVID 19 have died.

Persichilli said there were no reports of significant underlying conditions for any of those children.

The total number of pediatric deaths stands at 12 in New Jersey since the beginning of the pandemic. Here is a breakdown of the deaths:

• 8: 0 to 4 age group

• 4: 5 to 17 age group

"While it is difficult to know for sure if COVID-19 directly contributed to these deaths as opposed to being what is termed an incidental infection, I want to remind parents to take all necessary precautions to prevent infants from exposure to the virus," said Persichilli.

Those precautions for parents include making sure those around their infants are up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and avoiding crowded gatherings.

Vaccines are currently available to children ages 5 years and older and boosters are available for children 12 to 17.

To find a vaccine appointment near you visit covid19.nj.gov and click vaccine info at the top of the page.

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This article originally appeared on the Hillsborough Patch