52 NYC Kids Suffer From Mysterious Coronavirus-Linked Syndrome

NEW YORK CITY — Rising numbers of New York City kids with a mysterious syndrome linked to novel coronavirus are raising serious questions about the risk children face in the midst of a pandemic, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

"They continue to grow and that's why we're really, really concerned," de Blasio said. "We're seeing something that's very troubling."

New York City reported Tuesday 52 cases of pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome with another 10 pending. That's 14 more cases than the 38 de Blasio reported just two days earlier.

Another 10 cases are pending and a 5-year-old boy has died, the mayor's office said.

There are about 100 cases statewide and a 7-year-old boy and 18-year-old girl have died, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Cuomo directed state hospitals to prioritize COVID-19 testing for children displaying symptoms and will report findings to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the governor said.

"We have been behind this virus every step of the way," Cuomo said. "Even as we are now beginning to see the numbers on the decline, the virus is still surprising us."

Little is yet known about PMIS, which is why city officials urge parents to immediately seek medical help if their kids show persistent fever, rash, abdominal pain or vomiting.

Parents can call 311 to get help finding a doctor.

"We want people not to hesitate here," de Blasio said. "This is something where the quicker a parent reports it in ... the more chance of seeing the child through it safely."

It does not appear the syndrome is contagious, but could show signs that a child has COVID-19 or another contagious infection, according to a Health Department PMIS fact sheet.

Not all children diagnosed with PMIS have had COVID-19, according to Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. But she said the best way to protect kids is to adhere to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

"New Yorkers should be staying home as much as possible," Barbot said. "The reality is the degree to which we minimize potential exposure to COVID-19 is the best way to protect them."

Children with PMIS are treated with different therapies to reduce inflammation, including intravenous immunoglobulin and steroids, as well as medicine to protect vital organs, the fact sheet shows.

"PMIS is a rare condition," the fact sheet notes. "However, because it is life-threatening, it is important that parents know the signs and symptoms, so they can get help right away."