Virginia Sees 2nd Case Of Inflammatory Pediatric Syndrome

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Department of Health has reported the second confirmed case in the state of a pediatric inflammatory illness associated with the new coronavirus.

The department’s website on Monday showed a second case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children in the Fairfax Health District, which includes Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. No other details, including the age of the child, were provided.

Officials confirmed the first case in the same district last week, saying at the time that the child was recovering at home.

While children have generally not experienced severe cases of COVID-19, health officials have warned recently of the new inflammatory illness related to the virus. The Centers for Disease Control issued an advisory about the syndrome May 14, warning of symptoms including fever, abdominal pain without another explanation, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, red or cracked lips, bumpy tongue, and swollen hands and feet.

The health department on Monday reported almost 1,500 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 37,727. The department reported a total of 1,208 confirmed or probable deaths from the illness.

Also Monday, the Virginia Department of Corrections reported six inmates have died due to COVID-19 and 12 were hospitalized. The latest death was reported at Buckingham Correctional Center, TV station WWBT reported.

Around the world, millions have been infected. For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up within weeks. For some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness and death.

The majority of people recover.