Initial data reported by hospitals in Israel, Britain and the United States indicates that the Omicron strain of the coronavirus likely causes fewer cases of pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS) in children, and that the reported cases are less severe.
According to Channel 12 news, Health Ministry data shows that 277 cases of PIMS have been recorded in Israel since the pandemic began, mostly among kids aged 5-11, including two deaths. However, only one reported case has been linked to Omicron since the current outbreak began a month ago.
Pediatrician Prof. Zachi Grossman says that in Britain, as well, there have been very few reported PIMS cases since the Omicron outbreak began, and Prof. Dror Mevorach of Hadassah hospital says a similar drop has been reported in New York.
However, Mevorach cautions that the figures are very initial and says professionals must wait until organized research is published on the matter.
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From the Liveblog of
Sunday, January 23, 2022
