Rare Disease Linked To COVID-19 In Kids Found In Cedar Rapids

The Gazette learned on Monday that two young patients are being treated at a Cedar Rapids hospital for a rare inflammatory syndrome linked to coronavirus in children. Unity Point Health confirmed that it is providing care for the state's first reported cases of multisystem inflammatory disorder in children and adolescents.

Dr. Caitlin Pedati, the state epidemiologist and medical director for the state health department, confirmed those cases yesterday during the governor's daily news briefing on coronavirus statistics for the state. The Gazette reports that both patients are listed in stable condition.

Most children who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 have not developed the severe respiratory problems that many adults end up suffering from. However, last week, health officials alerted states to a new illness associated with COVID-19 and children. Known as pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or PMIS, it is a rare and potentially fatal syndrome that has appeared in recent weeks. The Gazette reports that Unity Point Health says the illness appears to be post-viral inflammation of blood vessels, including those around the heart. The condition can appear anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after COVID-19 infection.

Officials say that severe cases could require admission to a pediatric hospital or intensive care, to take care of low blood pressure levels and other complications. The Gazette reports that Unity Point says that information about the disease evolves daily and they are continuing to monitor the situation.

The syndrome has been compared to toxic shock syndrome, and Kawasaki Disease, another inflammatory condition in children with similar symptoms.