The 10-year-old Kentucky child placed on a ventilator after suffering complications from a rare syndrome related to coronavirus (COVID-19) has been taken off the breathing machine.
Gov. Andy Beshear originally announced the case Monday at his daily COVID-19 briefing, and asked for a moment of silence “to uplift the family and child.” On Tuesday, though, Beshear reported the child’s condition had improved before saying on Wednesday the child was off the ventilator and breathing on his/her own.
The new syndrome, currently being referred to as Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS), is being recognized in young people, many infected with COVID-19. The syndrome causes the victims’ immune systems to become overactive, sparking internal inflammation.
The latest information on the emerging condition, discussed Wednesday by the commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, Dr. Steven Stack, is that about a month after a coronavirus infection, children and teenagers with PMIS develop a fever accompanied by abdominal pain and often swollen hands, feet and lymph nodes.
“Basically, it sounds like a combination of Kawasaki disease and as well as a toxic shock type syndrome,” Dr. Ryan Stanton told WKYT.com. “There’s been some association in China, Europe, and the United States in children. Basically, the initial infection the immune system just gets really cranked up and goes overboard and starts attacking everything else.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is preparing to issue a nationwide alert to doctors about the syndrome, as 14 states and Washington D.C. are now reporting victims.
Three children in New York state have died from the syndrome, and authorities there are monitoring at least 100 other cases. According to NJ.com, in New Jersey, investigators are looking into reports of 18 children displaying PMIS symptoms. Eleven of the children have been hospitalized. The New Jersey victims are between three-years-old and 18. Four of the 18 have tested positive for COVID-19.
As the CDC and infectious disease experts work to determine if there is a link between COVID-19 and PMIS, they highly recommend children following the same guidelines that adults should adhere to, including social distancing, wearing a mask and washing hands frequently.
Healthcare officials say if anyone notices symptoms in your child such as prolonged high fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a change in skin color, to seek medical help immediately.
Dr. Stack said the Kentucky Pediatric COVID-19 Hotline (800-722-5725) staffed by Norton Children’s Hospital is prepared to answer questions from both parents and clinicians about PMIS.
(Photo courtesy of WTMJ.com)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
