Many cases of multisystemic inflammatory syndrome resembling Kawasaki disease like two drops of water have been identified since March 2020. As a consequence of Covid-19, this infection would particularly affect children, but would not be fatal in the vast majority cases. Debbie, mother of a 7-year-old girl, shares her experience.
Knowing the symptoms of some unusual illnesses can be judged as hypochondria, especially when one has never been affected by them. But sometimes it saves lives. Debbie McGuire, mom to 7-year-old Sienna, saved her daughter's life by remembering the symptoms of Kawasaki disease. SudInfo reports.
Debbie's diagnosis
Shortly before Christmas, little Sienna's school was hit by Covid-19. Seven children and a teacher catch the virus. The parents of the little girl expect symptoms in the following days. But no, Sienna doesn't develop any signs of the disease. No worries, the parents are reassured.
Only a few days later, Sienna complains of a high fever, and her mother notices the bright red color on her daughter's lips. It tilts in his head: these are symptoms of Kawasaki disease. Disease specifically dangerous for children, Sienna's parents immediately call the emergency room and go to the hospital. Put on antibiotics, her condition worsens and the little girl has to be transferred to a wing at Cheffield Children's Hospital.
We reassure you right away, little Sienna is healed now and is doing well. She was able to return from the hospital on January 15 and is recovering slowly.
Inflammation due to Covid?
Doctors diagnosed the little girl with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (PIMS) due to the virus. This infection causes inflammation in various parts of the body, as well as tissue damage.
Symptoms of Kawasaki disease
Indeed, Kawasaki disease – inflammation of the blood vessels or lymphocutaneo-mucous syndrome – and multisystem inflammatory syndrome have very similar symptoms. It seems that 356 cases have already been identified in children since March 1, 2020. The median age is 7 years, and the infection is believed to affect girls more. However, parents are reassured that serious forms that could affect the heart are very rare. Symptoms can be:
- Unexplained and prolonged fever over 38 degrees, which does not come down with drugs
- A skin rash
- More than 80% of children suffered from gastrointestinal disorders
- Of haematological disorders ;
- Of respiratory problems ;
- Of lesions on the lips, a raspberry tongue
- A loss of the surface layer of the epidermis in the feet and hands
- Of cardiovascular disorders concerned 80% of them ;
- About 8 to 9% of children have developed a coronary artery aneurysm.
This infection usually occurs 2 to 4 weeks after contracting Covid-19.