The state is continuing to research inflammatory disease in children related to COVID-19 after at least three deaths were reported. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says that contrary to the earlier belief that children were not affected by the virus, the state has now seen more than 100 cases of children who may have been affected by COVID-19 who are now showing symptoms of inflammatory disease. 

Gov. Cuomo says of 102 cases where children had symptoms of an inflammatory disease like Kawasaki disease or toxic shock syndrome, they have died. 

"Sixty percent of these children tested positive for the COVID virus, 40% tested positive for the antibodies of the COVID virus. That means children either currently had the virus or could have had it several weeks ago and now have the antibodies saying that they had the virus and they recovered from the virus,” said Cuomo. 

 

Mayor Bill de Blasio says there is still more to learn, but that what health officials do know is that early detection is key. 

The city launched an APSA campaign that targets parents and is making them aware. 

The state Department of Health will host a webinar Thursday for health care providers to discuss the inflammatory disease in children related to COVID-19. 

New Yorkers are told to seek help if a child exhibits: 

- Prolonged fever of more than five days 

- Severe abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting 

- Bloodshot eyes 

- Skin rash 

Officials say most children who get the coronavirus will experience only mild symptoms. 

New York hospitals are now prioritizing coronavirus testing for children displaying inflammatory disease symptoms.