Dangerous COVID-19 complications hitting children across Australia

Parents throughout the country are being warned about an uncommon and serious COVID-19 problem. Since the pandemic began in 2020, 96 Australian children have been diagnosed with the paediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome (PIMS-TS).

After growing COVID-19 instances caused by Omicron in Australia, PIMS-TS in children surged in 2022. PAEDS reports cases have grown 15-fold since 2020.

PIMS-TS is an uncommon disease that arises in children after COVID-19. Heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, and eyes might become inflamed, requiring hospitalisation. We don't know what causes PIMS-TS/MIS-C after COVID-19.

PAEDS estimates that 1 in 2500 COVID-infected children have the condition. "PIMS-TS occurs 2-6 weeks following COVID infection," it said. PAEDS reports cases in every state.

Sydney's Children's Hospital at Westmead has had 28 cases, while Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital has 26.

Parental health warnings

Dr Asha Bowen, the paediatric representative on the RACP COVID Expert Reference Group, said parents should watch for this condition if their kid has a persistent fever. “Parents should know that it's treatable and that paediatricians are looking for it and treating children,” she said.

Most kids won't have PIMS-TS. If your child gets a fever for more than three days following a COVID infection, it may be PIMS-TS. Your child needs medical treatment."

Professor Nicola Spurrier, South Australia's Chief Health Officer, warned of the sickness last week and advised parents to vaccinate their children. “It's a serious condition in youngsters that vaccination prevents,” she said.

The median age was nine, and "it's more common in boys, non-Anglo-European youngsters, and obese children." The youngest case was a 3-month-old in Australia; the oldest was 15. Asymptomatic infections are possible.