A mysterious new coronavirus-related illness has hit the headlines in recent weeks, after several cases were seen in children across the globe.
The illness is being described as an ‘inflammatory syndrome’, similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome.
Now, Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York, has revealed that the illness has affected children in at least 15 states across the US, as well as in five European countries.
He cited a change in skin colour and a racing heart as just two of a ‘wide array of symptoms’, adding: “Parents have to be aware of this.
"As a parent I can tell you, this is every parent's worst nightmare. It’s truly disturbing.”
Kawasaki disease is a condition that mainly affects children under the age of 5, and is also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome.
According to the NHS, the disease has seven key symptoms that parents should be aware of:
- Fever for more than 5 days
- A rash
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Dry, cracked lips
- Red fingers or toes
- Red eyes
- Diarrhoea
If you notice these symptoms in your child, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible.
The NHS advises: “It's best if treatment begins as soon as possible. The sooner treatment starts, the quicker the recovery time and there's less risk of complications developing.
“Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), a solution of antibodies, and aspirin are the 2 main medicines used to treat Kawasaki disease.”
Doctors have now reported cases of the mysterious illness 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 earlier this month 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.
