COVID-19 Related Illness in Children: Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome

COVID-19 Related Illness in Children: Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states they are actively preparing guidance for health officials to track what’s now being called Pediatric Multi-system Inflammatory Syndrome (PIMS).

Identifying PIMS can be difficult, however many children have presented with red eyes, rashes, swollen hands or enlarged lymph nodes. If any of these signs or symptoms are present in your child, contact their primary care physician or dial 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency. Although there have been no cases in the State of Maryland or Caroline County, it’s important to have awareness of PIMS. It has grown through several States including Delaware and D.C. in children who have tested positive for COVID-19.

As of April 29, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the following as symptoms of COVID-19: cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, diarrhea, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. The number of children with a rare and potentially deadly inflammatory condition like PIMS has risen over the past month.

Please remember to check the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) website for any updates related to COVID-19 symptoms in both adults and children.