WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning clinicians about a severe inflammatory syndrome in children that could be linked to COVID-19.

Physicians said it's similar to Kawasaki disease because some children are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms and cardiac inflammation.

“The syndrome is an alert for us to be aware of some of the complications for this virus,” Novant Health's Dr. Allison Hudson said.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that there aren't any cases in North Carolina yet.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Christopher Ohl does not believe this one particular factor will impact schools reopening.

“It's not only about the kids, but it's also about the staff and the other people who come into the schools and everything that has to go within having to have a school open that we have to figure out,” Ohl said.

Ohl emphasized one major factor is figuring out how schools can reopen while also being able to socially distance.

The N.C. Department of Public Instruction said it is working with the state's DHHS for guidance, and DHHS explained it is monitoring for cases with syndromic surveillance and through its public health epidemiologists.