NHS Warn Of Spike In Coronavirus Related Inflammatory Syndrome In Children

NHS doctors have been issued an urgent alert after concerns that a number of children throughout the UK are presenting with a coronavirus related "inflammatory syndrome".

The alert - which was sent to GPs from chiefs at an NHS board in London - states there has been a rise in the number of children of all ages presenting with the syndrome, which has required intensive care treatment.

According to the Health Service Journal, the report says: "In the last three weeks, there has been an apparent rise in the number of children of all ages presenting with a multisystem inflammatory state requiring intensive care across London and also in other regions of the UK.

"There is a growing concern that a [COVID-19] related inflammatory syndrome is emerging in children in the UK, or that there may be another, as yet unidentified, infectious pathogen associated with these cases."

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The characteristics of the syndrome are believed to be "overlapping features of toxic shock syndrome and atypical Kawasaki Disease" with symptoms including cardiac inflammation, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.

It's believed that some of the children affected have tested positive for COVID-19 while some have not. Others appear to have previously had the virus.

It is still believed that children are less affected by COVID-19, with very few becoming seriously ill and only a small number affected by the inflammatory syndrome.

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NHS England's national clinical director for children and young people, Simon Kenny, said: "Thankfully Kawasaki-like diseases are very rare, as currently are serious complications in children related to Covid-19, but it is important that clinicians are made aware of any potential emerging links so that they are able to give children and young people the right care fast.

"The advice to parents remains the same: if you are worried about your child for whatever reason, contact NHS 111 or your family doctor for urgent advice, or 999 in an emergency, and if a professional tells you to go to hospital, please go to hospital."

Topics: Life News, News, Coronavirus, Parenting, NHS, Health

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine