Many children in the US, UK, and other countries in Europe have been affected by a rare inflammatory disease linked to the novel coronavirus.
The Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo, Italy, has seen a ’30-fold increased incidence’ of Kawasaki-like disease in children in the past month.
According to the researchers who conducted a study published in The Lancet, Covid-19 “might cause a severe form of Kawasaki-like disease.”
The researchers looked at pediatric cases with symptoms such as swollen hands and feet and full body rash.
Only 19 children were admitted to the ER over the last five years but a 30-fold increase occurred over the last two months. In addition, 80 percent of the children admitted to the hospital tested positive for coronavirus antibodies while 60 percent had more severe complications.
Cases of Kawasaki-like disease in children were first reported in Spain, Italy, and Britain. It is not known what triggers it but it is believed to be an immune system overreaction to an infection.
The new condition, called ‘Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome Potentially Associated with COVID-19,’ can weaken heart arteries, impair heart function, and attack multiple organs.
Co-author Dr. Lucio Verdoni said: “We noticed an increase in the number of children being referred to our hospital with an inflammatory condition similar to Kawasaki Disease around the time the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak was taking hold in our region.
“Although this complication remains very rare, our study provides further evidence on how the virus may be affecting children.
“Parents should follow local medical advice and seek medical attention immediately if their child is unwell. Most children will make a complete recovery if they receive appropriate hospital care.”
Lead author Dr. Lorezno D’Antiga said: “We are starting to see case reports of children presenting at hospital with signs of Kawasaki Disease in other areas hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, including New York and South East England.
“Our study provides the first clear evidence of a link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and this inflammatory condition, and we hope it will help doctors around the world as we try to get to grips with this unknown virus.”
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