Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs.
Common Symptoms
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Neck pain
- Rash
- Bloodshot eyes
- Feeling extra tired
As of 7/15/2020, CDC has received reports of 342 cases and 6 deaths in 37 jurisdictions. View Map
Officials with Phoenix-based Banner Health confirmed they have already seen a few Arizona cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. On July 23, Colorado State officials announced that two children have died from MIS-C and also said there have now been seven confirmed cases in Colorado.
CDC is still learning about MIS-C and how it affects children.
Many children with MIS-C had the SARS-CoV-2 virus, or had been around someone with COVID-19.
MIS-C can be serious, even deadly, but most children who were diagnosed with this condition have gotten better with medical care.
We don’t know why some children have gotten sick with MIS-C and others have not. We also do not know if children with certain health conditions are more likely to get MIS-C.
- Most cases are in children between the ages of 1 and 14 years, with an average age of 8 years.
- Cases have occurred in children from <1 year old to 20 years old.
- 96% of cases (329) tested positive for SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The remaining 4% were around someone with COVID-19.
- Most children developed MIS-C 2-4 weeks after infection with SARS-CoV-2.
- Slightly more than half (55%) of reported cases were male.
How to protect your child from COVID-19
Based on what we know now about MIS-C, the best way you can protect your child is by taking everyday actions to prevent your child and the entire household from getting the virus that causes COVID-19.
Parents or caregivers who have concerns about their child’s health, including concerns about COVID-19 or MIS-C, should call a pediatrician or other healthcare provider immediately. Seek emergency care right away if your child is showing any of these emergency warning signs of MIS-C or other concerning signs:
- Trouble breathing
- Pain or pressure in the chest that does not go away
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
Most children who become ill with MIS-C will need to be treated in the hospital. Some will need to be treated in the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU).
From March 15 to May 20, 2020, The New England Journal of Medicine conducted targeted surveillance of 186 MIS-C pediatric patients in health centers across the United States. The median age was 8.3 years. 115 patients (62%) were male, 135 (73%) had previously been healthy, 131 (70%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR or antibody testing, and 164 (88%) were hospitalized after April 16, 2020. The median duration of hospitalization was 7 days; 148 patients (80%) received intensive care, 37 (20%) received mechanical ventilation, 90 (48%) received vasoactive support, and 4 (2%) died.
