Rare Coronavirus-Linked Disease That Affects Kids Likely In NJ

NEW JERSEY – A disease that's apparently hospitalized children in New York, and may be linked to new coronavirus, is likely in New Jersey, officials said.

New Jersey officials were referring to Kawasaki disease, which inflames blood vessel walls, causes temperatures to spike, eyes to redden and neck glands so swell.

Fifteen children, some of whom had the coronavirus, were recently hospitalized with "pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome potentially associated with COVID-19." Read more: 15 NYC Kids Hospitalized With Rare Coronavirus-Linked Disease

Fifteen cases compatible with the "multi-system inflammatory syndrome" have been identified in children in New York City hospitals, according to a city health alert, adding that their illnesses were "characterized by persistent fever and features of Kawasaki disease and/or toxic shock syndrome; abdominal symptoms common."

"We think we have children with Kawasaki," Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli told the public during a Thursday news conference with Gov. Phil Murphy.

Edward Lifshitz, medical director for the state Department of Health, said New Jersey has heard of the disease's association with the coronavirus but he didn't provide any more details as to how.

Murphy noted that no one in New Jersey under the age of 18 has died because of coronavirus and associated complications. The number of cases rose on Thursday to 133,635, and 8,801 people have died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Lifshitz said Kawasaki disease is primarily a pediatric disease and is rare among adults.

"We have begun to hear these reports as well," Lifshitz said, adding that the state has reached out to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for guidance.

Lifshitz asked parents to "be aware of this, pay attention to this if you suspect symptons." He said people should reach out to medical experts, doctors and hospitals if they detect the disease because "this is something that is potentially treatable."

Symptoms can also include rash, vomiting and a "strawberry tongue," said New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot.

"We're not sure what to make of this yet," said Barbot. "We're still learning how COVID-19 behaves."

The World Health Organization began investigating a possible connection between Kawasaki disease and COVID-19 after its appearance in Italy and the United Kingdom raised concerns among health care workers.

"I take this seriously," Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday morning. "This is something that is causing concern, I want to make sure New Yorkers are aware."