New York may have as many as 100 cases of children presenting with a new pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome likely linked to COVID-19. At least three children have died, and two more deaths are under investigation, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced.
Cuomo previously confirmed the deaths of two boys in New York City and Westchester County, as well as a teenager in Suffolk County. Details on the two most recent fatalities weren't immediately available.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday the city had confirmed 52 cases of pediatric multi-system inflammatory syndrome, with 10 cases still pending. Twenty-five of the children tested positive for COVID-19, while 22 had antibodies.
He urged parents to be aware of the warning signs and act immediately if they spot related symptoms. The city's top doctor, Oxiris Barbot, outlined key symptoms to look for in the mayor's briefing Monday.
"If [your child has] a fever, their energy level is off, their appetite is off, they're developing a rash, their lips look extra red, their tongue is looking extra red, those are the early signs that we want parents not to discount them and say 'oh they'll be better tomorrow' but to reach out to your pediatrician, have that conversation and then do the testing if your pediatrician thinks its indicated," Barbot said.
Three children in New York have already died from a rare inflammatory syndrome believed to be linked to the novel coronavirus
