COVID-19 postive kids are being diagnosed by life-threatening disease PMIS

In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, a new disease is being seen amongst children. In Wadia Hospital, Mumbai, about 100 children have tested positive for the coronavirus, out of which, 18 kids are also suffering from the pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome (PMIS) due to which two kids have succumbed to the disease so far.

PMIS is being witnessed in children who are being tested positive for the coronavirus. This disease was first discovered by Tomisaku Kawasaki of Japan and is a form of Kawasaki disease, even though different. Its symptoms are, however, somewhat similar. The symptoms for PMIS are fever, rashes, red eyes, lethargy and stomach issues. PMIS is usually seen in children between 10 months to 15 years whereas the Kawasaki is witnessed in young children. The symptoms for the Kawasaki include rashes, red bloodshot eyes, swelling and tenderness of glands on one side of the neck, swollen hands and feet, swollen and cracked lips with a strawberry-like tongue with rough red spots, irritability and fussiness and peeling of skin on the fingers and toes. Furthermore, symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain can also develop.

PMIS also give rise to a mild fever. Moreover, abdominal pain, laxative vomiting may occur with fever. It can also show features of other serious paediatric inflammatory conditions, including toxic shock and macrophage activation syndromes.

In the case of Kawasaki, more than 4,200 children are diagnosed with the disease every year in the United States of America. It is one of the leading cause of acquired heart diseases in infants and children in the US. However, if recognized and treated early, the child can feel better in a couple of days with a low likelihood of long term heart issues. However, if left untreated, it can develop into serious complications.

The connection between the two diseases, namely coronavirus and PMIS is intriguing the interests of many researchers who are trying to ascertain the link and a potential way to treat it in order to safeguard the lives of the children.