New children’s syndrome



Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome causing concern

Sick boy

Health experts are looking into a new syndrome, Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS). Doctors were notified on May 14 about a health advisory issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the new multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children that may be associated with COVID-19 infection. 

According to a May 13 statement released by Governor Cuomo, NYS currently is looking into approximately 102 reported cases in New York where children - predominantly school-aged - are experiencing the symptoms of the disease.  

On March 13, Dr. A. K. Vaidian, commissioner of Dutchess County’s Department of Behavioral & Community Health, said to date, there have been no confirmed cases of children diagnosed with Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in the county.

Parents of children that exhibit symptoms of what could be an inflammatory condition are advised to seek immediate care for their children, including: 

· Prolonged fever (more than five days)

· Severe abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting

· Bloodshot eyes

· Skin rash 

Other symptoms include:

· Change in skin color - becoming pale, patchy and/or blue

· Difficulty feeding (infants) or is too sick to drink fluids

· Trouble breathing or is breathing very quickly

· Racing heart or chest pain

· Lethargy, irritability or confusion

As well, doctors were notified on May 14 about a health advisory issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of a new multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children that may be associated with COVID-19 infection.

Further, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that most children are not affected by the coronavirus and that while reports of children who have become seriously ill are rare, some children have gotten sick from COVID-19, PIMS or other conditions.

Additionally, the AAP said even though PMIS is rare, parents should contact their children’s pediatrician with any health concerns.  ?

For more information, click on the organization websites, below.

New York State Department of Health

Centers for Disease Control

American Academy of Pediatrics

Orange County Health Department

Ulster County Department of Health and Mental Health

Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health

Sullivan County Public Health Services