PAEDS, a network of paediatric hospitals that monitor infectious diseases in Australia, is conducting surveillance on a newly described condition called PIMS-TS (Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome) that some overseas countries have reported to be linked to children with COVID-19. This new condition is similar to Kawasaki disease.

PAEDS stands for Paediatric Enhanced Disease Surveillance and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead is the Coordinating Centre for the network’s activities which include providing expert advice to the Australian Government on public health matters.

The PAEDS network is a collaboration of seven major paediatric hospitals Australia-wide, and the advent of the current pandemic has highlighted their ability to coordinate effective responses to protect children.

 

The exact link between the condition known as PIMS-TS (or MIS-C in the USA) and COVID-19 (the illness caused by Coronavirus) is not known, and there have been relatively few cases identified, but the collaborative efforts of paediatric hospitals worldwide and nationally are contributing data that will help provide answers.

A variety of symptoms are linked to PIMS-TS including fever, shock, pain and rash, and the majority of children diagnosed had tested positive to COVID-19 or showed antibodies to it.

There have been no recorded cases in Australia and the risk for children here is low.

Seriously ill children, such as those being treated for cancer, benefit from the work of PAEDS and its international collaborators which contributes to a better understanding of the impacts of illnesses such as COVID-19.

Read more about the PAEDS report about PIMS-TS.

Read the Department of Health report based on information from PAEDS and the AIVWG.