COVID-19 Daily Briefing: Health alert sent out regarding new severe syndrome in children related to COVID-19

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) leaders addressed an array of topics during Friday’s COVID-19 daily briefing, including an update on state and national COVID-19 numbers, the announcement of a health alert regarding a COVID-19 related syndrome in children and a reminder to social distance as the state’s ‘stay at home’ order expires.

MDH Numbers update:

MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm gave an update on COVID-19 numbers locally and around the globe. Worldwide, confirmed COVID-19 cases have passed 4.4 million and deaths have surpassed 302,000. In the United States, there are over 1.4 million cases and 85,000 deaths. In Minnesota, cases are at 14,240, which is up 808 cases from Thursday. The 808 case increase is the largest daily increase in cases that Minnesota has seen, but despite the high number of new cases, Minnesota is still at a 12-day doubling rate, which is higher than last week. Twenty additional people have died, as well, which brings the state’s total to 683 deaths. Seventeen of the deaths occurred in long-term care facilities.

Health Alert on new symptom:

A health alert was sent out Friday from MDH about a new syndrome that appears to be connected to COVID-19 in children. The syndrome is called Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome, according to Dr. Ruth Lynfield with MDH. The syndrome has been seen in locations outside of Minnesota, including in New York, where three children have died from conditions relating to the syndrome. Minnesota has yet to have any confirmed cases but MDH will be gathering data now that the alert has been sent to health care systems.

The syndrome presents in children with prolonged fever, signs of inflammation, including red cracked lips, red tongues, rash, swollen hands and feet and swollen lymph nodes. Many children are also presenting with abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. The syndrome presents very similarly to Kawasaki’s Disease, which is generally seen in children 5 years old and younger, however, this syndrome has been seen in children through adolescence. The greater risk associated with Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome comes from the inflammation of multiple organ systems, namely the heart. Heart inflammation due to this syndrome can lead to coronary artery aneurism, which can be fatal. MDH is now asking clinicians and parents to be on the lookout for these symptoms in individuals younger than 21.

Social distancing reminder as ‘stay at home’ order expires:

Director of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology at MDH, Kris Ehresmann, reminded Minnesotans that even as the ‘stay at home’ order expires, social distancing is still extremely important. Ehresmann said that cases will continue to rise once the order expires. She reminded the public to not gather in groups of more than 10 and said we, as a community, have a responsibility to mitigate the spread of the virus. While out enjoying the warm weather, be sure to stay 6 feet apart, wear a mask and don’t gather in large groups.

A remembrance on those who have died:

Malcolm brought attention to an order signed by Gov. Tim Walz to have the state’s flags flown at half-staff on May 19 to honor all those lost to COVID-19.

"One can almost become number," Malcolm said, noting that these are neighbors, friends and family members who are dying.