Community Members Asked to Watch for Symptoms of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in Children

McKenzie Health System is asking community members to be diligent in watching for symptoms of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). As shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this condition, which may be associated with COVID-19, affects different body parts which can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. Experts do not yet know what causes MIS-C; however, they are finding that many children with MIS-C had the virus that causes COVID-19, 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. Community members should contact their child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic right away if the child is showing symptoms of MIS-C which includes fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, and/or feeling extra tired. They should also be aware that not all children will have all the same symptoms. Emergency care should be sought right away if the 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, and/or severe abdominal pain.

More information about this syndrome can be found on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/mis-c.html