Local boy encounters rare complication of COVID-19

PITTSBURGH — A local boy has been in the hospital for almost a week, facing complications from COVID-19.

Oliver Shultz, 11, was diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), which is a condition where different body parts become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes and gastrointestinal organs. MIS-C has shown up in kids and is linked to coronavirus.

He’s in isolation at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

“I came to the hospital thinking maybe he just needed fluids, not sure what was going on,” said Aimee Schultz, Oliver’s mother.

Oliver tested positive for COVID-19 but didn’t have any respiratory symptoms and does not have any existing health conditions. An infectious disease doctor diagnosed him with MIS-C. It’s so rare, Children’s Hospital has only treated 11 cases of the disease.

“The scariest thing for my husband and I is not knowing. It’s new, so there’s no research. We don’t know what the long-term effects will be for him. What his future will look like,” Aimee Schultz said.

Schultz said the disease attacked every system in Oliver’s body. He experienced severe muscle aches, a rash, and inflammation of his heart.

“His heart struggled for a good while at home, and that was the most affected organ, and it will take a long time and a long recovery, but at least he is still here with us,” said Aimee Schultz.

The family is now focused on getting Oliver better and educating people about the dangers of COVID-19 and how it can cause an inflammatory syndrome in children.

“It’s not comparable to any illness I’ve ever experienced in my life. You do not want this to happen to anyone,” Aimee Schultz said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help pay for Oliver’s medical care. You can donate HERE.

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