COVID-19-Related Pediatric Inflammatory Syndrome Spreading in the US... September School Opening Also in Question

Suspicious Pediatric Inflammatory Syndrome Related to COVID-19 Spreading Across the US
Common Knowledge of Relative Safety for Children with COVID-19 Collapsing
Could Become a Hidden Obstacle to Economic Activity Resumption

Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] A mysterious pediatric inflammatory syndrome, suspected to be related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), is spreading across the United States. Although most schools have extended closures until fall, concerns are rising that normal in-person attendance will become even more difficult. This represents an unexpected challenge as states attempt to resume economic activities amid improving COVID-19 conditions.

According to U.S. media, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo stated at a press conference on the 13th (local time) regarding the pediatric syndrome, "The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has sent a message urging special caution to health authorities in the other 49 states," he said.

The pediatric syndrome, which presents with various symptoms such as eye redness, rash, and vascular abnormalities, has been reported in 15 states including New York?where the COVID-19 crisis has been most severe?as well as Washington D.C. Deaths related to this syndrome have also occurred.

According to Governor Cuomo, cases of this syndrome have been reported in 15 states?New York, California, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington?and Washington D.C.

The number of pediatric syndrome cases in New York continues to rise, with 102 patients already reported. This marks a significant increase from 73 cases announced on the 9th, occurring within just a few days. Governor Cuomo also explained that cases have been reported in five European countries: Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Switzerland.

Children affected by this syndrome reportedly exhibit high fever and skin rash, and in severe cases, symptoms of 'toxic shock' or Kawasaki disease involving inflammation of the coronary arteries. Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile inflammatory illness in children that can lead to heart complications if severe.

Governor Cuomo believes there is a connection between this syndrome and COVID-19. He analyzed, "60% of the pediatric patients tested positive for COVID-19, and 40% showed positive antibody tests," suggesting "they may have been exposed to COVID-19 weeks ago."

As children, previously considered relatively safe from COVID-19 compared to the elderly, now face health risks, Governor Cuomo urged parents to exercise special caution.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also said at a press conference that "the goal is to fully normalize schools by September, but if full normalization is deemed unsafe, other options will be considered." Nearby New Jersey has also decided to keep schools closed until fall but has yet to confirm plans for normal reopening thereafter.

In the U.S., sending children to school while both parents work is common, making school reopening closely linked to economic normalization.

In this context, CNN reported that hopes of returning to school in the fall are now clouded with uncertainty.