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Colorado saw an increase in cases of COVID-19-related inflammatory syndrome in children at the end of the year, and the state’s health department has advised parents to be vigilant when their children return to school.
Much is still unknown about multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C, but almost all children who have ever tested positive for COVID-19. Most children recover from the virus after having mild symptoms, if any. A small fraction of infected children become seriously ill as a result of an excessive immune reaction about two to four weeks after contracting the virus.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported an increase in MIS-C cases in December, with nine confirmed cases and 16 more under review. If those cases are confirmed, that would more than double the total since the spring.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 20 cases in Colorado between May and November. Two Colorado children died of complications from MIS-C in the spring.
Children who show symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been close to someone infected with the virus should get tested, the state health department said.
Parents should take their child to the emergency room if they have severe symptoms of MIS-C, such as:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Inability to stay awake
- Blue lips or face
- Severe abdominal pain
Other symptoms can be caused by multiple illnesses, and parents should call a doctor if a child starts showing them:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Neck pain
- Bold
- Bloodshot eyes
- Excessive fatigue
Most children recover after treatment with medicines to reduce inflammation, such as steroids, and with supportive care such as intravenous fluids or supplemental oxygen. Left untreated, children are at risk of heart, lung, kidney and other damage.
“There is still a lot we don’t know about MIS-C and the noticeable increase in cases is a clear reminder that our children are also at risk for serious complications from COVID-19”, Dr Eric France, doctor -Head of the state health department, said in a press release. “As face-to-face learning resumes, it is important that students continue to take steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19, such as masking, practicing physical distancing, handwashing and posturing at home when they are sick. “
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