(WWJ) Metro Detroit doctors are warning parents about concerning symptoms in children that may be related to COVID-19.
Dr. Rudolph Valentini, Chief Medical Officer at Children's Hospital of Michigan, said he is seeing more children and young adults with Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome.
"We are seeing a big increase in activity at our hospital with these children," Valentini told WWJ Health Reporter Dr. Deanna Lites. "Many are requiring hospitalization. A couple of our patients have gone to the ICU."
Doctors in the United Kingdom and other parts of the United States, particularly New York, are also reporting young patients with these symptoms. They are similar to Kawasaki Disease.
Dr. Valentini did not say how many children are at the Detroit hospital with suspected Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome. It is also unclear what percentage of them tested positive for COVID-19 or antibodies of the virus.
However, CBS News reports doctors in New York City said they have seen at least 64 children with these symptoms. As of Tuesday, healthcare providers had test results back for 15 children. Four of them tested positive for the infection. Six tested positive for antibodies for COVID-19, meaning they likely had the virus at one point.
Two children, ages 5 and 7, died in the New York City area after suffering similar symptoms, according to CBSNewYork. The television station reports New York health officials will be investigating more than 70 "suspected cases of the illness."
Symptoms include:
-Fever
-Reddening of the eyes
-Strawberry tongue
Occasionally:
-Rash
-Gastrointestinal symptoms
If your child has these symptoms, Dr. Valentini says you should contact your pediatrician immediately.
