Governor Cuomo Directs the New York State Department of Health to Issue an Advisory Regarding Inflammatory Disease in Children Potentially Related to COVID-19

Condition Affecting 64 Children Throughout the State

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 6, 2020) - At the direction of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, the New York State Department of Health today issued an advisory to healthcare providers about a serious inflammatory disease affecting children throughout the state. As of May 5, 64 potential cases of the condition, called "Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with COVID-19", have been reported in children in New York hospitals, including New York City.

"Thankfully most children with COVID-19 only experience mild symptoms, but in some, a dangerous inflammatory syndrome can develop," said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. "While we continue to reduce cases through social distancing, discoveries like this remind us we are still in the middle of our response to this deadly pandemic."

The purpose of the health advisory is to inform healthcare providers of the condition, as well as to provide guidance for testing and reporting. Healthcare providers, including hospitals, are required to report to the Department of Health all cases of pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19in those under 21 years of age.

Though most children who get COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms, in the United Kingdom, a possible link has also been reported between pediatric COVID-19 and serious inflammatory disease. The inflammatory syndrome has features which overlap with Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome and may occur days to weeks after acute COVID-19 illness. It can include persistent fever, abdominal symptoms, rash, and even cardiovascular symptoms requiring intensive care.

Early recognition by pediatricians and referral to a specialist including to critical care is essential. Molecular and serological testing for COVID-19 in children exhibiting the above symptoms is recommended. The majority of patients have tested positive for COVID-19, some on molecular testing for SARS-COV-2, others on serological testing.