No Cases Of COVID-Linked Children's Illness Reported So Far In PA

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania has so far does not have any local cases of a rare pediatric inflammatory illness potentially associated with coronavirus that has been making headlines in recent days. The illness, which is showing similar symptoms to atypical Kawasaki disease or toxic shock-like syndrome, has led to at least three deaths in New York.

The CDC is currently working with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists to create a definition of the syndrome, CNN reports. Specifics are expected to be released Wednesday or Thursday, when a CDC warning would go out to physicians to be on the lookout for cases.

Pennsylvania health officials have already asked hospitals to report any cases of the syndrome.

"To date, we have not received any reports," said Health Secretary Rachel Levine said Wednesday. She said the Pennsylvania Department of Health is in the process of reaching out children's hospitals in the state for more information.

Children who get the syndrome can become "very ill," Levine explained. She said the patients often require intensive care and sometimes fluid support and even the use of a ventilator.

Symptoms may show as a persistent fever, inflammation and organ dysfunction, according to the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. More information on the syndrome is here.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday health officials there are looking into 102 cases of the syndrome. At least three children in New York, ranging from 5 to 18 years old, have died.

Of the New York cases, 60 percent of the children with symptoms tested positive for COVID-19 and 40 percent tested positive for antibodies. Fourteen percent tested positive for both, Cuomo said.

Cases have been reported in Massachusetts as well, where a panel of pediatricians organized by Boston Children's Hospital released a statement last week detailing the illness. Symptoms begin appearing about six weeks after a child is exposed to COVID-19, NBC Boston reported.

"In some cases, children present with shock, and some have features of Kawasaki disease, whereas others may present with signs of cytokine storm," said Dr. Mary Beth Son, a Boston Children's rheumatologist on the panel. "In some geographic areas, there has been an uptick in Kawasaki disease cases in children who don't have shock."

Treatment, which includes blood thinners, has been effective.

"To date, most children affected have done well," the statement from Boston's Children's Hospital said. "Treatments have included anticoagulation, IV immunoglobulin, IL-1 or IL-6 blockade, and corticosteroids. Some children have only needed supportive care."