State reports Indiana’s first case of COVID-19 linked condition in children

Dr. Kris Box SUBMITTED photo

INDIANAPOLIS—State health officials have confirmed the first case in Indiana of a potentially deadly inflammatory condition in children and young adults that is believed to be linked to COVID-19.

The condition, called multisystem inflammatory syndrome, is believed to involve a response of the patient’s immune system to the virus that can lead to problems with the heart and other organs, according to the University of Michigan Health Lab. The syndrome is rare and most children infected with the virus develop only mild illness.

“We’ve had our first confirmed case (in Indiana) of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children,” Box said.”…This is something we’re starting to see around the world, especially in New York City, which has reported greater than a 150 cases and the United Kingdom and now multiple states here in the United States. We’ve asked hospitals to report suspected cases to us as we can investigate and learn more about COVID-19 and how that may be impacting our younger people.”

Box said the condition is linked to COVID-19 because almost all of the patients in the U.S. and abroad who are suspected to have the syndrome have tested positive for COVID-19, have evidence of COVID-19 antibodies or have been exposed to the virus.

For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.