PARENTS with young children in Ludlow are getting increasingly concerned about a serious disease that is being linked with Covid-19.

Dr Caron Morton, of the Station Drive surgery, said that GPs in the town are aware of the worries of parents about some reported incidents of Kawasaki disease.

The condition has not been definitely linked with Covid-19 but some of the children with the condition have tested positive for the coronavirus.

“We know that there is considerable concern since this received publicity in the media,” said Dr Morton.

“There have been some cases in the London area, but we have not seen any in Ludlow.”

The advice is that if people are concerned, especially about the health of young children, they should seek advice.

It is a condition that can appear suddenly and be severe. The children affected are normally under the age of five.

The first and most common symptom of Kawasaki disease is usually a high temperature (fever) of 38 degrees celcius or above.

This can come on quickly and doesn’t respond to antibiotics or medicines typically used to reduce a fever, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.

Fever will usually last for at least five days, but it can last for around 11 days without the proper treatment.

In some rare cases, the fever can last for as long as three to four weeks.

The child’s body temperature could possibly reach a high of 40C.

A child with the disease will almost always have a skin rash. This can vary in appearance from child to child.

The skin on a child’s fingers or toes may become red or hard, and their hands and feet may swell up.

They may feel their hands and feet are tender and painful to touch or put weight on, so they may be reluctant to walk or crawl while these symptoms persist.

The child’s lips may be red, dry or cracked. They may also swell up and peel or bleed.

The inside of the mouth and throat may also be inflamed.

Their tongue may be red, swollen and covered in small lumps, also known as ‘strawberry tongue.’ It also may be possible to feel swollen lymph glands as a lump in the neck.

GPs have been told that if they believe a child has the condition they should be referred to hospital. Whilst most recover there can be serious complications.

“We are here and will see patients,” said Dr Morton.

“If people are concerned then it is important that they contact us and not leave it.”

She said that this also applied with adults who may have serious concerns about their health.

Chest pains should be treated as an emergency and people who have symptoms of cancer should also contact the doctor.

Dr Morton said the NHS is open for business.