Multisystem Inflammatory System in Children

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Rare, Serious Condition in Children Linked to COVID-19

If a child or teen becomes infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), their symptoms are usually mild, or they may not show any signs at all. But some of them develop a rare, serious condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). 

Children with MIS-C may have inflammation in the heart, blood vessels, brain, eyes, skin, kidneys, or digestive system. They may have pain, swelling, and redness in these areas and need medical attention to keep it from worsening. Researchers are investigating whether MIS-C is related to Kawasaki disease since some of the symptoms are the same.

MIS-C Signs and Symptoms

Be on the lookout for these signs and symptoms. Call your doctor with any concerns or take your child to an emergency room if they have any of the warning signs.

Watch for:

  • Fever for 24 hours or longer

  • Feeling extra tired

  • Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea

  • Red or swollen lips or tongue

  • Red or swollen hands or feet

  • Red eyes, skin rash

Warning signs:

  • Trouble breathing

  • Chest pain or pressure

  • Confusion and difficulty staying awake

  • Severe stomach pain

  • Blue lips or face

Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications to protect vital organs from permanent damage. The best way to prevent MIS-C is by limiting exposure to people with COVID-19 and following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidelines. While little is known about MIS-C, researchers are working hard to learn more about this rare condition.

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Vicki VanArsdale

Vicki VanArsdale has a Master of Science in Health Communication from Boston University and works as a Senior Communications Specialist (government contractor) at the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology. She also has a freelance medical writing business and is on the board of the American Medical Writers Association (Mid-Atlantic Chapter). 

Her mother’s diagnosis of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency—a genetic condition that affected her lungs—sparked Vicki’s interest in genomics and eventually led her to the Rare Genomics Institute. She volunteers as a copywriter, using her expertise in marketing communications to help others get the information they need.