What is multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious condition linked to infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.

With MIS-C, children have fever, blood markers of inflammation and serious disease throughout the body. Organs such as the brain, eyes, heart, lungs, kidneys, digestive system and skin may become inflamed. MIS-C symptoms are treated in the hospital as the illness runs its course.

MIS-C is rare. Symptoms usually show up within two months after infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.

Symptoms of MIS-C include a fever that doesn't go away, along with other symptoms:

• Belly pain, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Skin rash.
• Redness in the white part of the eyes.
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, hands or feet.

Emergency warning signs of MIS-C include:

• Pain or a feeling of pressure in the chest.
• Trouble staying awake or waking up.
• Trouble breathing.
• New confusion.
• Lips or nail beds that look gray or blue.
• Terrible belly pain.

If your child shows any emergency warning signs or is severely sick with other symptoms, take your child to the nearest emergency room or call 911 or your local emergency number. If your child isn't seriously ill but shows other symptoms of MIS-C, contact your child's healthcare professional right away for advice.

Most children get better quickly and don't have any medical issues caused by MIS-C. Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination offers protection against MIS-C. And most children who have had MIS-C can get a COVID-19 vaccine on schedule.