TOPLINE
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a Wednesday press conference that the state is investigating 102 cases of children with the inflammatory, Kawasaki disease-like condition possibly connected to coronavirus, and that 14 other states—plus 5 European countries—are reporting similar cases.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
KEY FACTS
Cuomo said that 60% of the sick children tested positive for COVID-19, while 40% tested positive for antibodies.
The majority of the sick children are between 5 and 14 years old, Cuomo said, and three have died since the cases began popping up.
“Children may have been exposed weeks before” to COVID-19, Cuomo said, adding that the illness impacts all races.
A range of symptoms are seen with this condition, including: fever, abdominal pain, skin rash, bloodshot eyes, change in skin color, difficulty breathing, racing heart and lethargy, irritability or confusion.
The number of symptoms “makes it even harder for a parent to know what they’re dealing with,” said Cuomo, calling it “a parent’s worst nightmare.”
Additionally, 14 U.S. states and five European countries are reporting similar illnesses in children following a Monday alert issued by New York’s Department of Health, Cuomo said.
Crucial quote
“This is not respiratory,” Cuomo said of the illness seen in children. “This is inflammation of blood vessels affecting the heart, more of a cardiac [issue].”
Key background
Children were initially thought to not be affected by COVID-19. According to Cuomo, the condition seen in children “does not present as a normal COVID case” and may not have been diagnosed as one, since it’s a respiratory condition in adults. Cuomo also said that symptoms in children might appear weeks after exposure, calling it “truly disturbing.” According to the New York Times, doctors are referring to this new illness as “pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome.” Doctors caution that it is similar to Kawasaki disease, but it’s not the same condition. Children impacted by the new inflammatory condition can go into toxic shock, doctors say, but it remains unclear just how many have developed the illness. In New York, Cuomo has directed the Department of Health to prioritize coronavirus testing for children who present with symptoms.
Further reading
Mysterious Illness That Could Be Linked To Coronavirus Puts 15 New York City Children In Hospital (Forbes)
Cuomo: New Coronavirus Hospitalizations In New York Fall To 572, Lowest Level Since Crisis Began (Forbes)
A New Coronavirus Threat to Children (New York Times)
What is Kawasaki Disease? (American Heart Association)
