COVID and Multisystem Inflammatory Disorder: What Parents Need to Know

New research and media coverage surrounding the mysterious illness affecting children and adolescents have many parents rapt with concern. 

It is called Multisystem Inflammatory Disorder in Children, or MIS-C, and while around 220 confirmed or suspected cases had been reported, the latest research indicates it may be connected with COVID-19. North Carolina is actively monitoring for suspected cases. 

Resembling toxic shock syndrome and Kawaski’s disease, symptoms of MIS-C include fever, rash, eye irritation, swollen lymph nodes, or swelling of the hands and feet, and even death. Children with MIS-C have an immune response that affects their blood vessels and arteries, leading to inflammation that can cause heart damage. It is important to note that children with MIS-C do not always have respiratory symptoms of COVID-19. Of the cases reported, it is most common in children under five years of age. Because most children with MIS-C have tested positive for COVID-19, it is believed to be a postinfectious syndrome. Therefore it isn’t known to be contagious. 

If your child has any of the following symptoms, please call your pediatrician:

• A fever lasting more than 24 hours
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting
• Rash or changes in skin color
• Trouble breathing
• Your child seems confused or overly tired

At the time of writing this, there were no reported cases of MIS-C in North Carolina. However, everyone needs to know where to get information. North Carolina has set up a hotline 866-462-3821, where you can call for more details on coronavirus. 

Information is still being collected on this illness, and the American Academy of Pediatrics warns parents not to panic as MIS-C appears to be very rare. However, if you have any concerns about your child, please call their pediatrician. In addition to keeping your kids as healthy as possible, we are here to help you feel safe and secure. It is also advised that parents not avoid the pediatrician due to concerns about COVID-19 or MIS-C. Vaccines and well-child examinations are vital to the long-term health of your child. The 2020 vaccine schedule produced by the AAP can be found here.

If you have questions or concerns, please call our office. We are here for the health and wellbeing of your family!