Pediatric cases of Kawasaki syndrome could potentially arise in children who contracted COVID-19 without showing any symptoms.
Hey there! Let's chat about Kawasaki-like syndrome, a condition that's been popping up in kids, even after they've recovered from COVID-19. This info comes from Bayan Turdalina, Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at NAO "Astana Medical University". Fun fact: She's also a whiz at Almaty's Children's Hospital No.3.
- Sup, doc! How common is this syndrome at your clinic?
- Well, pal, we've been seeing around 7 cases since early August, mostly school-age kids and a few toddlers. Luckily, those little warriors were treated, bounced back, and are now under outpatient care.
- So, how do you tell Kawasaki-like syndrome apart from other illnesses?
- Kawasaki-like syndrome, also known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), dirty tricks two or more of the body's systems. It's characterized by a stubborn high fever that doesn't play nice with antipyretics, lasts up to 40°C for five days or more. It also brings on tummy troubles like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, inflamed eye and mouth mucous membranes, a polymorphic rash, joint and muscle pain, and swollen palms and soles.
- How can we keep our kids from getting Kawasaki-like syndrome?
- First things first, Kawasaki-like syndrome could be a sneaky COVID-19 complication in children, even if they didn't show any symptoms or only had a mild case. So, by limiting contact with adults and following all precautions to stop COVID-19, we're actually shielding our youngsters from this disease and its pesky complications.
Now, let's talk a bit more about MIS-C. It's a rare, but serious inflammatory condition that shares symptoms with Kawasaki disease. The link between MIS-C and COVID-19 arises from an excessive immune response triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. After recovery, residual viral particles linger in tissues, causing mayhem as they interact with ACE-2 receptors, causing inflammation and deadly cytokine storms.
To prevent MIS-C, we got options like:
- Getting vaccinated: Vaccines reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and, consequently, the risk of MIS-C. Even kids with heart conditions can get the jab once they're recovered from any inflammation.
- Practicing good hygiene: Regular hand washing, wearing masks, keeping space from sick folks, and keeping things squeaky clean can help prevent COVID-19 transmission.
- Seeking medical attention: Parents should keep an eye out for MIS-C symptoms like persistent fever, rash, tummy troubles, or unusual fatigue, and get immediate medical attention if those crop up.
- Supporting public health measures: Community strategies like testing, isolating cases, and contact tracing help limit COVID-19 spread and, in turn, protect kids from MIS-C.
So, stay safe, folks! MIS-C prevention boils down to managing COVID-19 risk through vaccination and standard infection control measures, and being vigilant for potential complications.
- In line with the observances at Children's Hospital No.3, seven cases of Kawasaki-like syndrome have been reported since early August.
- Associate Professor Bayan Turdalina, an expert in the science of health-and-wellness at Astana Medical University, notes that Kawasaki-like syndrome affects multiple body systems and is characterized by a persistent high fever, among other symptoms.
- To prevent Kawasaki-like syndrome, she recommends a combination of vaccination, good hygiene practices, seeking medical attention when necessary, and supporting public health measures.
- Dr. Turdalina emphasizes that COVID-19 precautions, such as limiting contact and adhering to hygiene practices, may shield kids from not only the virus but also its potentially dangerous complications, including Kawasaki-like syndrome.
