Children in New York hospitalised over conditions possibly linked to coronavirus

Multi-system inflammatory syndrome similar to Kawasaki disease or toxic shock syndrome

Children displaying symptoms of toxic shock syndrome or Kawasaki disease have been linked to coronavirus in the UK and the US (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

New York City’s health department has warned a multi-system inflammatory syndrome possibly linked to coronavirus has been identified in 15 children in the city’s hospitals.

Several of the patients, aged two to 15 years old, tested positive for Covid-19 or had positive antibody tests. They were hospitalised between 17 April to 1 May.

It was noted that the condition was characterised by similar features as those seen in toxic shock syndrome or Kawasaki disease.

NHS England recently released a similar alert after there had been an “apparent rise in the number of children of all ages presenting with a multi-system inflammatory state requiring intensive care” across London and other regions of the UK.

Kawasaki disease causes swelling of the blood vessels of the heart, a high fever and a rash, and is more likely to affect children under the age of five.

Toxic shock syndrome is a condition that develops when bacteria gets into the body, resulting in symptoms including a high temperatures, flu-like symptoms, diarrhoea and dizziness.

All patients had a fever, and more than half reported rash, abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhoea. Fewer than half reported respiratory symptoms.

“If the above-described inflammatory syndrome is suspected, paediatricians should immediately refer patients to a specialist in paediatric infectious disease, rheumatology, and/or critical care, as indicated,” said the NYC Health Department.

“Early diagnosis and treatment of patients meeting full or partial criteria for Kawasaki disease is critical to preventing end-organ damage and other long-term complications.”

No fatalities have been reported among the child patients in New York City presenting with the symptoms.

A similar case was reported at Stanford Children’s Hospital in a six-month-old girl who was admitted to hospital with Kawasaki disease and was also later diagnosed with coronavirus, reported CNN.

Professor Simon Kenny, the NHS’s national clinical director for children and young people, said: “Thankfully Kawasaki-like diseases are very rare, as currently are serious complication in children related to Covid-19, but it is important that clinicians are made aware of any potential emerging links os that they are able to give children and young people the right care fast.

“The advice to parents remains the same: if you are worried about your child for whatever reason, contact NHS 111 or your family doctor for urgent advice, or 999 in an emergency, and if a professional tells you to go to hospital, please go to hospital.”