At first, it seemed that children were hardly affected by the novel corona virus. Even if they were infected, they would hardly have any symptoms – or only very mild ones. However, there are now individual cases in which children are more seriously ill. Pediatricians in various countries in particular are observing a new type of hyperinflammation syndrome that appears to be related to the virus. The EU epidemic protection agency ECDC reports of 230 possible cases in the EU and Great Britain, two children have died.
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In an interview, the President of the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Johannes Hübner, explains what lies behind and whether this changes the risk situation for children.
MIRROR: Mr. Hübner, there are increasing reports that children who have the coronavirus can develop something that is similar to Kawasaki syndrome. Is the virus a much greater risk for children than previously thought?
Hübner: We are talking about very, very rare cases so far. This does not change the previous assessment that children generally have a very low risk of Covid-19. Parents really don’t need to panic now
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MIRROR: Can you briefly describe what Kawasaki syndrome is?
Hübner: It is an excessive inflammatory reaction. The children have a high fever, inflamed eyes, often a rash and swollen lymph nodes. Anyone who has children knows that these complaints very often also occur when children have a banal viral infection. With Kawasaki syndrome, however, the fever is usually very high and persists for a long time. In some cases, the coronary arteries expand, which you have to watch closely. There are about 200 to 300 cases in Germany each year. It is not a disease that pediatricians are very concerned about, because in most cases children survive very well.
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MIRROR: What triggers the disease?
Hübner: This has not been finally clarified. It is believed that a virus infection can result when the immune system overreacts. Corona viruses themselves have been known for a long time, they are often behind colds. They were discussed before Covid-19 as a possible trigger for Kawasaki syndrome – but this has not been proven or refuted.
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MIRROR: How do the current cases of so-called hyperinflammation syndrome differ from the classic Kawasaki syndrome?
Hübner: First, there is a geographical difference. Kawasaki syndrome mainly occurs in East Asia. The cases of the new hyperinflammation syndrome well described so far have now been reported from Europe. Another age group is affected. Children between two and five years of age primarily contract Kawasaki syndrome. Children between five and 15 are now affected.
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MIRROR: Are there known risk factors for the disease?
Hübner: A case series from England on hyperinflammation syndrome shows that children with Afro-Caribbean descent are particularly affected. But because of the few cases, it is not yet possible to say whether this is a risk factor.
MIRROR: How many cases of hyperinflammation syndrome have there been in Germany so far?
Hübner: So far, there are a maximum of a handful of cases. I can only advise parents not to worry too much. If your child has a high fever and is sick, see a pediatrician. We know the clinical picture and can diagnose and treat the children if necessary.
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