At least 15 more children have been struck down by the mysterious coronavirus-related illness, doctors have revealed.
The illness is being described as an ‘inflammatory syndrome’ similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome, and has affected children in at least six countries.
Now, health officials in New York have revealed that 15 children are being treated for the mysterious illness.
The children range in age from two to 15, and have required medical intervention in intensive care, according to a bulletin posted by the New York City Health Department.
More than half of the group required blood pressure support, while five needed ventilation. Thankfully, none of the reported patients have died.
Dr Demetre Daskalakis, deputy city health commissioner for disease control, said: “Clinical features vary, depending on the affected organ system, but have been noted to include features of Kawasaki disease or features of shock. However, the full spectrum of disease is not yet known.”
According to the alert, all 15 patients had a fever, while more than half also experienced abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhoea, and a rash.
Meanwhile, four of the patients tested positive for coronavirus, and a further six were found to have previously been infected with the virus.
While the alert highlights 15 cases, it’s likely there could be many more.
Dr Daskalakis added: “Only severe cases may have been recognized at this time.”
Doctors have now reported a total of more than 100 cases in the UK, the US, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland.
The first reports were in the UK, where there are believed to be at least 12 cases.
Meanwhile, France’s health minister, Olivier Veran, revealed last week that the illness has been seen in ‘about 15 children of all ages.’
Speaking to Franceinfo, Mr Veran also confirmed that cases have been reported in Spain, Italy and Switzerland, listing fever, digestive issues and vascular inflammation as key symptoms.
