By Chantalé Fletcher
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO has more cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) than any other Caribbean country.
And there is no explanation for this, according to Regional Coordinator Emergency Medicine of the North Central Regional Health Authority Dr Joanne Paul.
She was speaking at the Ministry of Health virtual presser on Saturday.
Dr Paul said there were 55 cases of MIS-C since April last year in T&T.
She said, “We had the most in the Caribbean in fact we are maybe four to five times per capital more than any Caribbean country.
“We not sure why but we know we are having them confirmed, treated and there have been no deaths so far from MIS-C in Trinidad at all.”
She said the majority of Covid-9 cases in children were mild with only about 2% with severe infections which led to hospitalisation.
Dr Paul said, “In the beginning, before the game changer of the Delta variant we had it where it was all about herd immunity and if we can get more persons vaccinated, including our children we would be able to go back to school.”
She said in an unvaccinated population the virus goes from one to the other faster and accelerates almost like an avalanche.
Dr Paul said, “Vaccination is having mini breakers so as soon as it goes from here to there it stops it, so you don’t have that surge happening.”
She said, “Vaccination also causes three things – a reduction in surge which overwhelms the hospital capacity, a reduction in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) cases and a reduction in death.”
Dr Paul added that the Delta variant of the Covid-19 vaccine was more transmissible and affecting unvaccinated and younger persons.
The doctor said it was important to ensure that children receive extra protection and stressed that they should be vaccinated for herd immunity to be able to return to school and general protection from the Delta variant.
She said another frequent question was on the side effects of Covid-19 in children.
Dr Paul added, “Side effects for the Pfizer vaccine was usually one to two per million in the age group of 12 to 18 years old. This meant that our population of children to be vaccinated, we’ll have maybe one-fifth of a case, that might be Myocarditis and Pericarditis so those are two accepted side effects but the major one Pericarditis or if you have an allergic reaction.”
She said there were no cases of Myocarditis or Pericarditis in T&T, but side effects have been anxiety related and anxiety associated.
Dr Paul said, “Children especially in that age group might be so anxious that might cause chest pain, stomach irritation, feel faint but once the anxiety is resolved and their reassured, the symptoms go away.”
Regarding the allergic reaction of anaphylaxis, Dr Paul said, “Your tongue becomes swollen, your lips, eyes, face swollen, there’s rash all over and you can’t breathe properly and you experience lots of multi system effects.
“We have had no real and significant cases or side effects of that, as it’s mostly been anxiety related.”
Dr Paul added said the question should be asked as to what could be done to safeguard children and re-open schools.
She said, “Within the adolescent period, the classmates are children’s families. The thinking of the adolescent population was their colleague was more important than their families.”
The doctor said not seeing their friends for months could cause mental health issues such as anxiety.
Dr Paul said, “We depend on schools to help them socialise and make them into good young adults who will be able to function in society.”
Due to this absence she said, “Some children do not know how to function…
“It’s no longer cracks but potholes, we’ve been having through the system.”
Dr Paul said, “For their sake, we have to get back to schools. It’s a matter of vaccination of your children, teachers, administrative personnel to ensure that our children get back into school.”
