The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported Thursday that a child in the state is suffering from Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19.
A possible link was found between COVID-19 and MIS-C in some children and teenagers who have current or recent infections. The first reports of this syndrome came from the United Kingdom in late April, and cases in the United States were first reported in New York City in early May.
To protect the family’s privacy, the patient’s age and other specific information about the case will not be released.
According to the NCDHHS, MIS-C is a very rare condition, but additional reports of MIS-C could follow as coronavirus cases increase. Because children with this syndrome may become seriously ill, it is important that parents and caregivers know the signs and symptoms their children may have so they can get help right away.
In addition to fever, children with this syndrome may have the following symptoms:
- Irritability or decreased activity
- Abdominal pain without another explanation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Conjunctivitis (red or pink eyes)
- Poor feeding
- Red, cracked lips or red, bumpy tongue that looks like a strawberry
- Swollen hands and feet, which might also be red
MIS-C is not contagious, but children with these symptoms could have COVID-19 or another infection that may be contagious.
