CNMI sees 1st case of rare, serious COVID-19 syndrome

The Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. have confirmed the CNMI’s first case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C.

MIS-C is a rare but serious condition associated with COVID-19, in which different body parts become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs; and can affect children and adults (MIS-A).

The patient tested positive for COVID-19 in December 2021, then reported symptoms in January 2022.

In Guam, the Joint Information Center was notified that the territory’s 274th COVID-19-related fatality was pronounced dead on arrival at the U.S. Naval Hospital Guam on Jan. 11, 2022. The patient was a 66-year-old female, partially vaccinated with underlying health conditions. She tested positive on Jan. 11, 2022.

“[Lt. Gov.] Josh [Tenorio], [first gentleman] Jeff [Cook] and I pray for comfort of her loved ones in this most difficult time,” said Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero in a JIC news release yesterday. “By protecting ourselves individually, we are also able to protect our most vulnerable.”

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome

Children, adolescents, or young adults who develop certain symptoms after having COVID-19 might have MIS-C.

Children and adults with MIS experience ongoing fever, plus more than one of the following: stomach pain; bloodshot eyes, diarrhea; dizziness or lightheadedness (signs of low blood pressure); skin rash; or vomiting

If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

-Trouble breathing

-Pain or pressure in the chest that does not go away

-Confusion or unusual behavior

-Severe abdominal pain

-Inability to wake or stay awake

-Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

New positive cases

Fifty-three additional individuals have been confirmed positive for COVID-19, bringing the CNMI total to 3,751 cases since March 2020. The individuals have been isolated and are actively monitored.

Of the 53 cases identified on Jan. 11, 21 were identified via contact tracing, 20 via community testing, and 12 via travel testing. The vaccination statuses of the 53 cases are pending verification.

As of Jan. 12, 2022, there were 10 individuals hospitalized as a result of COVID-19: five unvaccinated, five vaccinated; one on a ventilator; and three discharged

Vaccinations/testing

A total of 190 COVID-19 vaccine shots were administered on Jan. 12, 2022, resulting in 97.3% of the CNMI’s eligible population being fully vaccinated.

A total of 378 COVID-19 tests were conducted on Jan. 11, 2022: 307 community-based testing; 71 at the COVID-19 Community Center (referrals only) (PR)