Mysterious Illness Linked To Coronavirus Affects Children In New York

New York, USA: A mysterious illness linked to Coronavirus has been reported from New York in the United States, over the past few days, sending authorities scrambling. Described as paediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome, the illness is reported to be linked to COVID-19.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo directed hospitals in the state to prioritise testing children for symptoms of COVID-19 following the outbreak of the new, mysterious illness. Around 100 cases had been reported from all over the New York state until Tuesday, about 50 of them from New York City alone.

The mysterious inflammatory illness has claimed the lives of two children and a teenager in the state so far. "The virus is still surprising us," Governor Cuomo said. The New York Governor added that initially it was thought COVID-19 does not affect children but as it turned out this new illness has taken a new turn even as the state was battling to keep the numbers in check.

Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City observed that as of Tuesday, the city had reported 52 such cases including one death. He added that ten more cases were pending. Mayor de Blasio told parents that it is sobering and bluntly frightening. Parents have been advised to watch out for symptoms such as persistent fever, rash, abdominal pain and vomiting.

Lethargy and change in skin colour have been cited as other symptoms Paediatricians in New York have been advised to do antibody testing for the children as well to confirm the condition. Experts have also said that the condition is similar to a rare disease called Kawasaki.