Case of coronavirus-related syndrome being investigated in Albertan child
One case of Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MISC, is being investigated in Alberta.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw made the announcement on Wednesday during the COVID-19 update, stating that the new condition is similar to Kawasaki Disease, an inflammatory illness that is the most common cause of heart disease in children.
- See also:
According to Hinshaw, MISC has been reported in a number of jurisdictions, including the UK, Quebec, Italy, and the United States.
The syndrome seems to develop in children several weeks to a month after being infected with coronavirus, though Hinshaw noted that it is quite rare.
Potential cases of MISC are also being explored in other Canadian provinces.
The condition includes inflammation of the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and nervous system. Children suffering from the condition can exhibit fever, rash, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
“The early information available suggests that the majority of children who have COVID-19 will not be expected to experience this syndrome,” Hinshaw said, “however, we are making this disease reportable in order to monitor any cases that might occur and to improve our understanding of this illness.”
Alberta is also working to create guidelines that align with global reporting standards in an effort to increase the ability to diagnose the new condition.
“I know this new condition might be scary for parents. I worry for my kids too. It is important to remember that this condition appears to be rare and it is treatable,” Hinshaw said.
“It is, however, a reminder that we continue to learn new things about this virus and that we must continue to be cautious in our relaunch […] as summer approaches we must not forget that COVID-19 was, and is, a deadly disease.”
Follow Channels and Categories