Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

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Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

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Overview & Stats

MIS-C is a rare condition that sometimes occurs in children who have had COVID-19 infection. Symptoms of MIS-C typically develop two or more weeks following infection with COVID-19 and involves inflammation of different parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal system. What causes some children to develop MIS-C is not known. MIS-C can be serious or even deadly, but most children recover with medical care.

As of May 18, 2022, the New York State Department of Health has investigated and confirmed 799 cases of MIS-C and 3 deaths attributed to MIS-C in New York children (under 21 years old). 

Of the children confirmed as MIS-C cases, 94 percent tested positive for COVID-19 either by diagnostic tests (PCR or antigen), antibody tests or both.

As of 10/15/21, only confirmed MIS-C cases are being reported.

 

Age of Cases (as of May 18, 2022)

Age 

Percent of Cases 

<1 

3% 

1-4 

23% 

5-11 

45% 

12-15 

17% 

16-20 

12% 

 

 

Race and Ethnicity of Cases (as of May 18, 2022)

Race 

Percent of Cases 

White 

34% 

Black 

30% 

Other  

18% 

Asian 

5% 

Unknown 

14% 

 

Ethnicity 

Percent of Cases 

Not Hispanic 

43% 

Hispanic/Latino 

23% 

Unknown 

35% 

Symptoms

Though most children who get COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms, some children experience severe illness after an apparent recovery from COVID-19 infection. Symptoms of MIS-C may occur two or more weeks after acute COVID-19 illness.

Should your child develop any of the following symptoms following COVID-19 illness, you should seek immediate care for your child from your child’s healthcare provider:

  • Prolonged fever (more than 24 hours)
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Skin Rash
  • Stomach Pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty feeding (infants) or is too sick to drink fluids

 

Should your child develop any of the following severe symptoms, you should seek emergency medical care when the child has:

  • Change in skin color - becoming pale, patchy and/or blue
  • Trouble breathing or is breathing very quickly
  • Racing heart or chest pain
  • Decreased amount or frequency of urine
  • Confusion, not acting right, or won’t wake up or stay awake

 

Early recognition by pediatricians and referral to a specialist including to critical care are essential.

 

    Information for Healthcare Providers

    MIS-C Case Definition

    Additional information about MIS-C can be found of the CDC website.

    Study in the New England Journal of Medicine: The Department of Health published a study of children with the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in the New England Journal of Medicine on June 29, 2020.

     

    Guidance