Hold up! Let us not be too happy and over-excited during this RMCO since the pandemic is still dominating the headlines in every country. While everyone is adapting to the new normal, we were surprised with reports on a few number of cases of a Kawasaki-like disease believed to be linked to coronavirus.
Unusual numbers of children and teenagers have developed an inflammatory condition which is now called as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children or MIS-C.
Fortunately in Malaysia, Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah confirmed that there is no such cases detected among children infected by COVID-19 (as of writing). Nonetheless, everyone should prevent the infection among children by complying with the Health Ministry’s procedures.
Here are the things that you should be aware of:
What You Should Know
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Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki was first discovered by Tommisaku Kawasaki in Japan. Believe it or not, the cause of the disease til now remains unknown. Kawasaki Disease is believed to be a result of an abnormal immune response following infection in genetically susceptible individuals.
It is a rare inflammatory disease that causes blood vessels to become inflamed or swollen throughout the body. Some of the common symptoms of Kawasaki Disease is a persistent high fever, rashes on the body, bloodshot red eye, redness around the lips or tongue, swelling and redness to hands or feet, and neck swelling. Be aware that not all children will have the same symptoms.
For your information, there is no specific test for this disease. Usually, the doctors will make clinical diagnosis based on the collection of symptoms.
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Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children or MIS-C
As mentioned earlier, MIS-C is similar to Kawasaki Disease. According to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, any children who are infected with MIS-C did not have obvious symptoms when they were infected, and generally were healthy prior to developing MIS-C.
Professionals are still studying about MIS-C and how it affects children as the information on this disease is extremely limited.
Based on the information shared by Kawasaki Disease Foundation (KDF)*, here are the things that you need to know about how this disease is linked to COVID-19:
Note: MIS-C was formerly known as Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS).
* These information by Kawasaki Disease Foundation were based on an interview between KDF Volunteer and Parent, Beth Avant with Dr. Adriana Tremoulet of University of California, San Diego.
How Can You Protect Your Children from these Diseases?
The best way you can protect your children is by taking everyday actions as advised by the Ministry of Health:
- Always wear face masks when you are at a crowded place (and it is best to avoid it!).
- Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching a lot of things and then touch your face.
- Stay at home if you do not have anything important to do outside.
Kawasaki Disease can be fatal of the affected children, even with treatment. Read more about Kawasaki Disease shared by a mother’s experience here.
Parents, you should do what you always do if you notice something amiss in your child or other family members, which is to consult a doctor immediately. Remember to stay cautious even during this RMCO.