Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a condition that causes inflammation of certain body parts. MIS-C is associated with COVID-19 but is rare.

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Background of MIS-C

MIS-C is a rare but serious condition that usually occurs 2-6 weeks after a child is infected with COVID-19. The child's COVID-19 infection may be very mild or have no symptoms at all and may go unrecognized. MIS-C causes different body parts to become inflamed, including:

heartHeart kidneysKidneys
LungsLungs BrainBrain
skinSkin EyeEyes
intestinesGastrointestinal organs

 

Symptoms of MIS-C

Children with MIS-C may have:

man with thermometer in mouthFever EyeBloodshot eyes
stomach painAbdominal Pain sleeping personFeeling very tired
nauseaVomiting man sitting on toiletDiarrhea
neckNeck pain face rashRash

 

Parents and Caregivers

Call your child’s healthcare provider if your child is showing any of the signs or symptoms of MIS-C, especially if they had COVID-19 or contact with someone who has (even if they did not test positive or show symptoms of COVID-19). If your child is having trouble breathing, pain or pressure in their chest, new confusion, bluish lips or face, severe abdominal pain, or you cannot wake them up, seek emergency care right away.

 

Testing for MIS-C

There is no specific test for MIS-C. Providers diagnose MIS-C by a combination of signs and symptoms along with blood tests. Additional tests such as imaging of the heart to look for inflammation may also be used. Some children with MIS-C test positive for COVID-19 by using a nasal swab or antigen test, or may show antibodies for COVID-19 in a blood test.

 

Treatment for MIS-C

Doctors may to certain tests to look for inflammation or other signs of disease. These tests might include:

  • Blood tests
  • Chest x-ray
  • Heart ultrasound (echocardiogram)
  • Abdominal ultrasound

    • Because MIS-C symptoms are similar to many other diseases your doctor may look for other sources of the child's illness such as:

  • Bacterial infection
  • Viral infection
  • Kawasaki Disease

    • Doctors may provide supportive care for symptoms (medicine, or fluids, or both) and may use various medicines to treat inflammation (e.g., steroids, or Intravaneous Immunoglobulin, or both). Most children who become ill with MIS-C will need to be treated in the hospital. Some will need to be treated in the peediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Most children with MIS-C are seen by specialists such as infectious diseases and cardiologist (heart) doctors.

     

    Prevent MIS-C

    The best way to prevent MIS-C is to protect against getting SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, including staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and other prevention actions. See How to Protect Yourself and Others and Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters for more details.

     

    Adults and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome-Adults (MIS-A)

    Like in children, adults who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 can develop MIS (MIS-A) days to weeks after getting sick with COVID-19. MIS-A is a condition where inflammation occurs in different internal and external body parts like the heart, gastrointestial tract, skin, or brain. MIS-A is less common than MIS-C. Compared with MIS-C, MIS-A can also be more difficult to distinguish from acute COVID-19. However, like children MIS-C, adults with MIS-A appear to recover quickly from the most dangerous heart-related complications.

     

    Additional Resources

  • MIS-C Fact Sheet (PDF)
  • MIS Toolkit for Maine Providers (PDF)
  • U.S. CDC: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children External site disclaimer
  • Information for Healthcare Providers External site disclaimer