BOSTON — Public health director Monica Burrell warns healthcare providers of nine allegedly confirmed new cases of childhood illness in Massachusetts that may be related to the COVID-19 pandemic. And ordered to report any additional cases immediately.
There are over 100 confirmed cases of this condition in children called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS) in New York, killing three.
Barrel said in a memo on Thursday that nine children at a Massachusetts hospital were suspected of having PMIS, reporting it as a significant issue for the front-line people to note. She required the identification of suspected cases under 21 years of age or the reporting of suspected cases to the Ministry of Public Health, and called for immediate effect “to reduce morbidity and mortality.”
“The reason this order is important is to clarify what symptoms primary care and hospitals should look for to report this condition.” The prevalence of the Massachusetts condition is not yet known. That is why public health order was so important. “
Health experts have long said that children are less likely to develop COVID-19 respiratory disease than adults, but evidence in Europe and New York states that they are more susceptible to inflammatory conditions that appear to be associated with the same new coronavirus. is increasing.
In her advice, Burrell wrote that the vast majority of PMIS patients tested positive for SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Burrell investigates whether pediatric patients who may have symptoms of the syndrome have recently been ill with COVID-19 or are in close contact with someone else infected with a highly infectious virus. Instructed the provider to do so.
However, this symptom does not reflect COVID-19. Barrel writes that other serious problems such as fever, inflammation, and organ failure may be symptoms, and there is no evidence of a plausible alternative diagnosis.
“This syndrome has features that overlap with Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome,” Barrell wrote. “Inflammatory markers may be elevated, and fever and abdominal symptoms may be noticeable.
“Other reported findings included rashes, myocarditis and other cardiovascular changes, coagulopathy and acute renal injury. In addition, some patients developed cardiogenic or angiogenic shock, Intensive care is needed. Respiratory symptoms may not be a hallmark. “
She emphasized the importance of “early recognition” by pediatricians, adding that it is essential for providers to work with specialists in infectious disease, rheumatism, heart disease and emergency care.
Since the outbreak began, public health officials have confirmed 80,497 COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts with a cumulative death toll of 5,315. Less than 4% of all cases confirmed in residents under the age of 19 were observed, and the rate of confirmed cases per 100,000 was also the lowest in that age group.
In a statement Wednesday, before Elder Barrel issued new guidance, and while state authorities were still compiling data on prevalence of syndromes in the state, Dr Elizabeth Goodman of the Massachusetts Branch of the American Academy of Pediatrics was concerned. I emphasized that it is increasing. Stay connected with your pediatrician. “
“If a pediatrician thinks a child should be seen in the office, we highly recommend that parents follow, so they can catch things early before they become an emergency. You can, “she said. “All families with known cases of COVID-19-the whole family-enthusiasm, rash, red eyes, lip cracks, abdominal pain, swelling and redness of the limbs, and illness without children.”
