Cases of a mysterious coronavirus-related illness that affects children are rising across the UK, with doctors being urgently alerted to be on the look-out for symptoms.
The illness is yet to be named, but is thought to have affected around a dozen children in the UK.
The alert to doctors said: “[In the] last three weeks, there has been an apparent rise in the number of children of all ages presenting with a multisystem inflammatory state requiring intensive care across London and also in other regions of the UK.
“There is a growing concern that a [covid-19] related inflammatory syndrome is emerging in children in the UK, or that there may be another, as yet unidentified, infectious pathogen associated with these cases.”
But what actually is the mystery illness?
To help clear up confusion, we’ve answered some of the key questions about the new coronavirus-related condition, including what it is and what the key symptoms are.
What is the mystery illness?
The illness is yet to be named, but is being referred to as an ‘inflammatory syndrome.’
It remains unclear whether or not it is related to COVID-19.
While some of the children with the syndrome have tested positive for COVID-19 and some appear to have had it in the past, some have not.
Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director said it was ‘too early to say’ whether there’s a link between the illness and coronavirus.
However, chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said that a link was ‘entirely plausible.’
What are the key symptoms?
According to the alert, the illness has three key symptoms - abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting, and cardiac inflammation.
However, the alert adds that the illness is similar to toxic shock syndrome and atypical Kawasaki Disease.
According to the NHS, toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a ‘rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacteria getting into the body and releasing harmful toxins.’
Key symptoms include a high temperature, flu-like symptoms, feeling and being sick, a widespread sunburn-like rash and lips, tongue and the whites of the eyes turning a bright red.
Meanwhile, atypical Kawasaki Disease is a condition that affects children under 5, and can cause a rash, swollen glands and red eyes.
While the alert claims that the new illness is similar to these conditions, it remains unclear if the new illness shares these symptoms.
Is the new illness common?
The extent of the issue remains unclear, although reports claim that 'very small numbers are likely to have been affected.'
Speaking yesterday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock explained that around a dozen children have been taken to intensive care with the symptoms so far.
What is the UK government doing about the illness?
Health minister Matt Hancock said he was "very worried" about reports of children struggling with severe symptoms that might have a link to COVID-19.
"We have become aware in the last few days of reports of severe illness in children which might be a Kawasaki-like disease," Stephen Powis, national medical director for England, said, referring to a syndrome which causes inflammation of blood vessels.
"I've asked the national clinic director for children and young people to look into this as a matter of urgency... We're not sure at the moment. It's really too early to say whether there is a link."
What should you do if your child is showing symptoms of the new illness?
The Paediatric Intensive Care Society reassured that the illness is very rare and parents shouldn’t panic.
It explained: “If you are a parent please be assured that serious illness as a result of COVID 19 still appears to be a very rare event in children. If your child is unwell or has the symptoms of sepsis then please seek medical attention in the usual way.”
When to visit A&E
Parents should take their child to A&E if their child has any of the following:
- Becomes pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to the touch
- Has pauses in their breathing, irregular breathing or starts grunting
- Severe difficult breathing, becoming agitate or unresponsive
- Is going blue round the lips
- Has a fit/seizure
- Becomes extremely distressed, confused, lethargic or unresponsive
- Developed a rash that does not disappear with pressure
- Has testicular pain
When to ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111
In other cases, it may be possible to resolve issues by calling your GP surgery or NHS 111. RCPCH advises this if your child has any of the following:
- Is finding it hard to breathe including drawing in of the muscles below their lower ribs, at their neck or between their ribs
- Seems dehydrated
- Is becoming drowsy or irritable
- Has extreme shivering or muscle pain
- Babies under 3 months of age with a temperature above 38°C
- Infants 3-6 months of age with a temperature above 39°C
- All infants and children with a fever above 38°C for more than five days
- Is getting worse or if you’re worried
- Has persistent vomiting and/or abdominal pain
- Has blood in their poo or wee
- Any limb injury or head injury causing reduced movement, persistent crying or drowsiness
When to care for your child at home
Finally, the RCPCH advise you care for your child at home if none of the above features are present.
It added: “Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, call NHS 111.”
