Coronavirus: GPs sent 'urgent alert' about increase in children with serious COVID-19-like symptoms
Doctors were told there had been a rise over the past three weeks but said children are still rarely affected by COVID-19.
Monday 27 April 2020 22:41, UK
GPs have been sent an "urgent alert" about an increasing number of children becoming severely ill with coronavirus-like symptoms.
The doctors were warned there has been a rise over the past three weeks in the number of children of all ages "presenting with a multisystem inflammatory state requiring intensive care".
An initial alert about the coronavirus-like symptoms was issued to North London GPs then confirmed with an "urgent alert" to all doctors on Sunday by the Paediatric Intensive Care Society (PICS).
Professor Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, said the issue is being looked into as a "matter of urgency".
But, speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing, Professor Powis said it was "too early" to establish a link and cautioned that this disease is "very, very rare".
England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said the possibility of a link between COVID-19 and the severe illness in children was "certainly plausible".
PICS said parents should be "assured that serious illness as a result of COVID-19 still appears to be a very rare event in children".
The society, on behalf of NHS England, warned doctors that there has been a "small rise" in children presenting with toxic shock syndrome (TSS) or atypical Kawasaki Disease symptoms, including abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac inflammation.
The cases they have seen have also had "blood parameters consistent with severe COVID-19".
Some of the children presenting with symptoms have tested positive for COVID-19 and some may have had the virus previously, but others have not.
PICS added: "There is a growing concern that a SARS-COV2-related inflammatory syndrome is emerging in children in the UK or that there may be another as yet unidentified infectious pathogen associated with these cases."
TSS is a severe illness brought on by bacterial toxins while Kawasaki Disease mainly affects children under the age of five and symptoms include a rash, swollen neck glands, dry, cracked lips, red fingers or toes and red eyes.
Kawasaki Disease causes the blood vessels to become inflamed and swollen which can lead to coronary arteries.
Professor Simon Kenny, NHS national clinical director for children and young people, said: "Thankfully Kawasaki-like diseases are very rare, as currently are serious complications in children related to COVID-19, but it is important that clinicians are made aware of any potential emerging links so that they are able to give children and young people the right care fast.
"The advice to parents remains the same: If you are worried about your child for whatever reason, contact NHS 111 or your family doctor for urgent advice, or 999 in an emergency, and if a professional tells you to go to hospital, please go to hospital."
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Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said GPs are keeping on top of new evidence and information as much as possible.
He said: "In general practice, at least for the moment, we are encouraged that the cases in children are not increasing, but these particular symptoms sound concerning and we will be working closely with our specialist paediatric colleagues to ensure that we respond appropriately.
"Parents should be reassured that the evidence currently suggests that COVID-19 is generally a mild disease in children, with a low morbidity and mortality rate. If parents do have concerns about their child's health, we would urge them to seek the appropriate medical advice, either contacting NHS 111, their GP, or in emergencies dialling 999."
Earlier this month, parents were urged to take their children to a doctor if they appear ill after a leading paediatrician said fewer children were being brought to the emergency department over fears they could contract COVID-19.