Harrison Thorp 7:10 a.m.
Saturday, May 23, 2020 7:18 am
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CONCORD - The state's chief epidemiologist on Friday announced that New Hampshire has seen its first case of a mysterious syndrome associated with COVID-19 that afflicts youngsters.
So far cases have been rare, but in New York, the epicenter of the country's coronavirus outbreak, some 160 cases have been reported, including at least three fatalities. Hundreds of cases have been identified in the United States and Europe, according to a story today in the New York Times.
New Hampshire's top epidemiologist Dr. Benjamin Chan told reporters on Friday that the state's first case was below the age of 19 and was reportedly continuing their recovery at a local hospital.
Chan said that Multi System Inflammatory Syndrome symptoms include body inflammation including inflammation of skin and other organs, fever, skin rash and gastro-intestinal issues.
"Multiple organs can be involved as well as low blood pressure and whole body inflammation," Chan said.
Chan said the syndrome appears rare and almost always shows up in children who have COVID-19 antibodies, meaning they had contracted the disease. He said if children show symptoms parents should immediately seek medical attention.
Chan added that children in most part have few problems with COVID-19 adding that of the 200 in the state identified with COVID, only five had to be hospitalized.
Meanwhile, Gov. Sununu announced that youth sports can begin immediately, but will be restricted to training and drills that allow for social distancing to be observed. No games for now.
He also announced that on June 1 directed small group fitness classes and other personal care enterprises can reopen, including acupuncture, massage therapists, tattoo parlors and tanning and nail salons can open their doors under the state's guidelines.
However, gyms are not on the list, Sununu said, since they lack proper oversight to ensure social distancing and other precautionary measures, such as thoroughly sanitizing machines after every use.
"In a Zumba class you have an instructor whose job it is to make sure the guidelines are followed," Gov. Sununu said. "You don't have that in a gym setting."
As part of the Friday press conference Chan announced the daily update on COVID-19 numbers, with 81 new cases and 15 new hospitalizations.
He also announced five new deaths associated with the coronavirus, four of which occurred in elder care congregate living facilities.
More NH COVID numbers
NH Persons with COVID-19 4,014
Recovered 2,082 (52%)
Deaths Attributed to COVID-19 204 (5%)
Total Current COVID-19 Cases 1,728
Persons Who Have Been Hospitalized for COVID-19 408 (10%)
Current Hospitalizations 88
Persons Being Monitored in NH (approximate point in time) 4,050