Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a group of symptoms linked to swollen, called inflamed, organs or tissues. People with MIS-C need care in the hospital.
MIS-C was first detected in April 2020. MIS-C is currently linked to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Experts are still studying the cause of MIS-C and risk factors for getting it.
Most children who catch the COVID-19 virus have only a mild illness. But in children with MIS-C, after infection with the COVID-19 virus, the blood vessels, digestive system, skin or eyes become swollen and irritated.
MIS-C is rare. It most often happens within 2 months after having COVID-19. The child may have had a known infection. Or a close contact may have a confirmed infection.
Most children who have MIS-C eventually get better with medical care. But some kids quickly get worse. MIS-C can cause life-threatening illness or death.
Rarely, some adults develop symptoms similar to those of MIS-C. This is called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A).
It also is linked to a current or earlier infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. People with a prior infection may not have had serious symptoms.
The symptoms of MIS-C are serious and are treated in the hospital. Not all kids have the same symptoms. But if no other diagnosis fits, health care professionals may diagnose MIS-C if a child:
Get help right away if your child has:
If your child has any of the emergency warning signs listed above, or is severely sick with other symptoms, get care right away. Take your child to the nearest emergency department or call 911 or your local emergency number.
If your child isn't severely ill but shows other symptoms of MIS-C, contact your child's health care professional right away for advice.
The health care team may want to do tests to check for areas of inflammation and other signs of MIS-C. These may include blood tests, or imaging tests of the chest, heart or abdomen.
The exact cause of MIS-C is not known yet. Many children with MIS-C have had a recent infection with the COVID-19 virus. Some may have a current infection with the virus.
One idea of a possible cause of MIS-C is that infection with the virus that causes COVID-19, either current or earlier, causes the immune system to overreact.
Children diagnosed with MIS-C are often between the ages of 5 and 11 years old. But cases are reported among children ages 1 to 15. A few cases have also happened in older kids and in babies.
MIS-C is thought to be a complication of COVID-19. Without early diagnosis and treatment, MIS-C can lead to severe problems with vital organs, such as the heart. In rare cases, MIS-C could lead to permanent damage or even death.
In the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines are now offered to people age 6 months and older.
A vaccine can prevent you or your child from getting or spreading the COVID-19 virus. If you or your child gets COVID-19, a COVID-19 vaccine could prevent you or your child from becoming seriously ill.
To prevent getting the COVID-19 virus and spreading it to others, the CDC recommends following these precautions:
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) diagnosis is based on a child's symptoms and on ruling out similar conditions. Lab tests can help this process.
Providers rule out active cases of COVID-19 by testing for the virus with a swab of the nose. They also may swab the back of the throat. Providers also use blood tests to rule out inflammatory conditions such as Kawasaki disease, sepsis or toxic shock syndrome.
Many children with MIS-C test negative for a current infection with the COVID-19 virus. But proof of a prior infection can be gathered from an antibody test if a child had COVID-19 but didn't have any symptoms. It also can be collected by noting infections among a child's close contacts. Most kids who get MIS-C have a link to the virus that causes COVID-19 within 2 months of getting sick.
Providers also may order tests to look for inflammation and other signs of MIS-C:
Children with MIS-C are treated in a hospital. Some need treatment in a pediatric intensive care unit. Treatment is supportive care and efforts to lower inflammation in any affected vital organs to protect them from permanent damage. Treatment depends on the type and severity of symptoms and which organs and other parts of the body are affected by inflammation.
Supportive care may include:
Treatment to limit swelling and inflammation may include:
There is no proof that MIS-C is contagious. But there's a chance that your child could have an active infection with the COVID-19 virus or another type of contagious infection. So the hospital will use infection control measures while caring for your child.
If your child is seriously ill with MIS-C, you may feel overwhelming anxiety and fear. Because MIS-C is rare, you likely don't know anyone who has been through this experience. To help cope with the emotional toll this can take, ask for support. This can range from discussing your feelings with loved ones and friends to asking for help from a mental health professional. Ask your health care team for advice. For your own sake and that of your child, don't try to handle this anxiety and distress by yourself.
If your child has emergency warning signs of MIS-C or is severely sick, take your child to the nearest emergency department. Or call 911 or your local emergency number. Remember to wear a mask to protect yourself and others.
If your child's symptoms are not severe, contact your child's pediatrician or other health care professional. The provider may want to assess your child or refer you to a provider who specializes in infectious diseases.
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance. Make a list of:
Your health care professional is likely to ask you, and your child, depending on your child's age, several questions, such as:
Preparing for the appointment makes sure you have time to get all of your questions answered. It helps you learn what the next steps are and why they're important.
