Coronavirus-Linked Child Inflammatory Illness On The Rise In NJ

NEW JERSEY - A children's inflammatory syndrome first reported in New York City and the United Kingdom — which doctors say could be linked to coronavirus/COVID-19 — has more cases in New Jersey as hot spots are appearing around the nation.

"We are asking that people watch for of multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in children and to seek prompt medical care if they think their child has this rare illness," New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said, noting that most children who have this syndrome have tested positive for COVID-19. "The state has 23 cases reported in children between the ages of one and 18. All were hospitalized."

Similar cases of MIS-C also been reported in other states and countries. These cases have been found in children and young adults who had no other infectious cause identified. In New Jersey,
Goryeb Children's Hospital treated a pediatric patient who presented to the hospital with symptoms consistent with Kawasaki Disease. At least five children hospitalized with the illness at Rutgers RWJ Barnabas Health in New Brunswick, confirmed a hospital spokesman. .

In Pennsylvania, an eight-year-old spent ten days in the ICU with what doctors believe could be the inflammatory syndrome. Four patients in north Texas, six children reported in Connecticut, dozens in New York, including a fatality, and a patient in North Carolina all appear to have MIS-C.

Out of the 23 diagnosed so far in New Jersey, 15 have been discharged.

"Some children with this syndrome may require intensive hospital care," Persichilli said.

MIS-C is a rare condition. However, because it is life-threatening, it is important that parents know the signs and symptoms, so they can get help right away, officials said.

The syndrome has features like Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome, but they are not the same," Persichilli said.

Most children have a fever, a temperature of 100.4⁰F or 38⁰C or greater, lasting several days, along with other symptoms. Other common symptoms may include:

• Irritability or sluggishness
• Abdominal pain without another explanation
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Rash
• Conjunctivitis, or red or pink eyes
• Enlarged lymph node (“gland”) on one side of the neck
• Red cracked lips or red tongue that looks like a strawberry
• Swollen hands and feet, which might also be red

"Healthcare providers have noted that this inflammatory syndrome can also be characterized by severe heart, the blood vessels the gastrointestinal track or other organs believed to be caused by a reaction to the coronavirus," Persichilli said.

The Department of Health also shared additional guidance:

When should I call my child’s doctor or seek emergency care?

• You should call your child’s doctor immediately if your child becomes ill and has had continued fever. Your doctor will ask about any signs or symptoms your child has and use that information to recommend next steps. If your child is severely ill, you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 immediately.

Is MIS-C contagious?

• MIS-C is not contagious. However, it is possible that your child has another underlying infection that may be contagious. Until more is known about this condition, hospitals that are treating children with MIS-C are taking the same precautions they take for patients with COVID-19.

Diagnosis

• If a healthcare provider suspects that a child may have this syndrome, the child should be tested for the virus that causes COVID-19. This would involve a diagnostic test to see if the child is currently infected with the virus. They should also receive a serological test to see if the child has antibodies to the virus which would indicate that they had been exposed to the virus in the past or may have potentially been infected.

Treatment

• There is no specific treatment for this syndrome. The child’s healthcare provider should provide treatment for the symptoms as appropriate. Early treatment of patients suspected to have MIS-C may include treatment with immune globulin that is given through a vein (also known as IV, or intravenous) and steroids. These drugs help reduce the body’s immune response that causes the inflammatory syndrome. Children are also being given other medications to protect their heart, kidneys and other organs.

Prevention

• Although it is not yet known if MIS-C is related to COVID-19, taking steps to prevent your child from being exposed to COVID-19 is important. Physical distancing from others, using face coverings, and practicing good hand hygiene, are the best ways to prevent COVID-19.

"It is important that your child be evaluated by a healthcare provider if they are experiencing symptoms of this syndrome," Persichilli said.

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