The state Department of Health has issued an advisory on a disease associated with children testing positive for COVID-19.
In a statement issued May 13, the health department reported a possible link between COVID-19 and pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with COVID-19.
“Suspect cases of PMIS have been reported by hospitals in New York State and are under investigation by the New York State Department of Health,” the statement reads. “Suspect and confirmed cases of PMIS potentially associated with COVID-19 in those under 21 years of age are required to be reported to the [Department of Health.”
The department says a possible link between pediatric COVID-19 and serious inflammatory disease was first reported in the United Kingdom.
PMIS has features that overlap with Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome, and may occur days to weeks after acute COVID-19 illness. It can include persistent fever, abdominal symptoms, rash, and even cardiovascular symptoms requiring intensive care.
“We’re still learning a lot about this virus and we must remain vigilant because the situation is changing every day,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement issued May 14. “We now have 110 cases of COVID-related inflammatory illness in children and I expect this is only going to grow. We are leading the national effort to better understand and combat this new emerging syndrome, and we want to make sure everyone is informed and is looking out for the symptoms of this illness in children.”
State reports indicate 110 reported cases in New York where children, predominantly school-aged, are experiencing these symptoms, possibly due to COVID-19.
The illness has already taken the lives of three young New Yorkers, including a 5-year old from New York City, a 7-year old from Westchester County and a teenager from Suffolk County. No such cases or deaths have yet been reported in Nassau County.
The department has also issued a preliminary case definition for PMIS based upon the review of cases to date. Criteria include an individual aged younger 21 years with a minimum one-day history of subjective or objective fever over 100.4° F.
Symptoms reported by the department include a rash, either flat or with raised red bumps;
bilateral non-purulent conjunctivitis, or reddened eyes, inflamed mouth, hands, or feet;
and gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
More serious effects, including a change in skin color, becoming pale, patchy and/or blue; trouble breathing or breathing very quickly; racing heart or chest pain; lethargy, irritability or confusion; being too sick to drink fluids; and difficulty feeding in infants are also possible, according to the department.
Suspected and confirmed cases of PMIS potentially associated with COVID-19 in those under 21 years of age must be reported to the health department, and all hospitals are required to report pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19 daily.
