Serious coronavirus-linked condition hit 285 U.S. children

This Monday, June 29^th, 2020, the New England Journal of Medicine published a report on a new coronavirus-linked condition found in 285 U.S. children. The condition, known as a multisystem inflammatory syndrome, caused six deaths amongst the 285 children, and the remainder recovered. Although the death rate of the virus is low, the potential long-term effects are unknown. It is specifically essential to follow up on the children who have other conditions once they recover from the disease to ensure there are no lasting issues. Globally, about 1,000 children have been affected by the condition. New York reported the first case in the U.S., and now at least 35 additional states have also reported cases, which seem to develop after COVID-19 rates increase in the same state.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the case definition is as follows:

Current or recent COVID-19 infection or exposure to the virus; a fever of at least 100.4 for at least 24 hours; severe illness requiring hospitalization; inflammatory markers in blood tests, and evidence of problems affecting at least two organs that could include the heart, kidneys, lungs, skin or other nervous systems. Other common symptoms include nausea and diarrhea.

Of the affected children, most had current or recent COVID-19 infections, 80% had heart-related problems, and 30% were obese. The average age was eight years old. The disease appears to affect Black and Latino children at a disproportionally higher rate. Researchers are unsure if adults can be affected at this time.