Punjab reports rare syndrome in children post-Covid recovery

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, June 5

Even as the state is witnessing cases of mucormycosis or black fungus, which affects the adult population after recovery from Covid-19, instances of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) are also being reported.

Sources say though the reason behind the occurrence of MIS-C is not yet known, a number of Covid-recovered children have reported the disease in Bathinda and Ludhiana. Experts say it could be due to excessive immune response related to Covid.

If treated on time, the fatality rate is quite low. Most children with MIS-C test negative for Covid, but have anti-bodies and hence, they can’t spread the infection. Doctors say the biggest risk with MIS-C is the speed with which it advances.

They say since most patients remain asymptomatic, it is important for parents to be watchful of symptoms that may occur two to six weeks after recovery from Covid.

Dr Jagjit Singh, a pediatrician, said, “We have seen a few suspected cases of MIS-C in Bathinda. If treated on time, patients don’t require critical care.”

THE SYMPTOMS

• Cold & cough lasting a month or more
• Fever persisting more than 24 hours
• Stomach pain, skin rash, unusual fatigue
• Fast heartbeat, red eyes, swollen lips, tongue
• Swollen hands/feet, headache and dizziness
• Fatality chances low if treated in time