Three children in New York have died from a rare illness linked to COVID-19, according to a daily briefing Saturday from Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The rare illness has similarities to Kawasaki disease, which the Mayo Clinic says "causes swelling (inflammation) in the walls of medium-sized arteries throughout the body."

Cuomo on Friday had reported only one death from the condition, a 5-year-old who had been treated at a New York City hospital. Now, an additional two deaths have been reported — another young child and a teenager.

This latest development has run counter to the long-standing belief that the novel coronavirus poses less of a threat to young people, including children.

“We are not so sure that is the fact anymore. Toddler, elementary school children are presenting symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease or toxic shock-like syndrome,” Cuomo said. “It’s very possible that this has been going on for several weeks and it hasn’t been diagnosed as related to COVID.”

All three victims had previously tested positive for either COVID-19 or the antibodies associated with it. Cuomo confirmed that state health officials are now tracking 73 potential cases of this syndrome and working to discover if there is a genetic basis for it.

Not all children believed to have this syndrome have tested positive for coronavirus, further complicating the medical community’s understanding of it. Other symptoms associated with it include fever, skin rash, and gland swelling. In severe cases, patients can also experience arterial inflammation.

NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, in a March 27, 2020 file image, said 540 people had died in his state of 20 million inhabitants in the preceding 24 hours
NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, in a March 27, 2020 file image, said 540 people had died in his state of 20 million inhabitants in the preceding 24 hours AFP / Bryan R. Smith
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