Kozhikode: Amid the growing concern of COVID-19, another disease which largely affects kids is also reported in Kerala. The disease called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) has similar symptoms of Kawasaki disease reported in Japan in 1971.
If not treated on time, this syndrome will damage the heart muscles.
Till date, 15 children with symptoms of MIS-C sought medical care at Baby Memorial hospital in Kozhikode. Among them, three were in critical condition. Over 10 MIS-C cases were reported in Thiruvananthapuram medical college. The disease was also reported in Kozhikode medical college and hospitals in Kochi.
According to reports, MIS-C was confirmed within 2 months after COVID-19 outbreak in Europe and the US.
The first case in Asia was reported from Kozhikode at the end of April. Later, the disease was confirmed in many parts of the country.
Treatable if detected on time
According to experts, MIS-C can be treated if detected on time. Those who test negative for COVID-19 should not neglect the symptoms. They should immediately seek medical care.
Antibody test will be conducted to confirm whether they contracted coronavirus infection. Treatment will start after the test.
Symptoms of MIS-C
- Redness on eyes and mouth
- Persistent fever
- Rashes on body
- Redness and swelling on hands and feet
- Strong stomach ache and diarrhoea
What is MIS-C?
MIS-C is found as an excessive immune response associated with COVID-19. Usually, this syndrome will turn severe only among 5 percent patients. If MIS-C turns severe, it will result in myocarditis which affects the heart muscles.
Lungs, kidney, digestive system, brain, skin, eyes and blood vessels will also get damaged as a result of the disease.
In rare cases, death is also reported.
Treatment
IV Immunoglobulin infusion and steroid are used to treat MIS-C patients.
“MIS-C is confirmed in places of Kerala where COVID-19 spread is found to be critical. This disease is largely found among patients within one or two months after testing COVID-19 positive. In 2010, MIS-C was confirmed in many people who were diagnosed with H1N1 disease. But compared to H1N1, this disease is largely found associated with COVID-19 infection. In the present circumstances, more children are likely to get affected by the disease,” said Dr Ajay V, Paediatric critical care specialist at Baby Memorial hospital in Kozhikode.
