COVID-19 - Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome In Children (MIS-C)

What is multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children?

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare condition that affects a very small number of children.

MIS-C usually happens 2 to 6 weeks after a child has had COVID-19. They may have only had mild symptoms during their COVID-19 infection or had no symptoms at all.

MIS-C happens when the COVID-19 virus causes a huge over-reaction in the infection-fighting system (immune system). This can cause severe inflammation in many parts of the body.

MIS-C can also be called paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS).

What are the symptoms of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children?

Children with MIS-C have recovered from their COVID-19 infection and then get sick again. 

If children get MIS-C they can get worse very quickly. 

Symptoms of MIS-C can include:

• fever, usually for 3 days or more
• tummy pain, vomiting, diarrhoea
• looking pale, feeling clammy or cold to touch
• fast heart beat
• red lips and swollen tongue
• skin rash
• conjunctivitis without any pus
• fast or hard breathing
• headache
• confusion
• difficult to rouse
• sore muscles

What should I do if I think my child might have multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children?

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children is a very serious illness. Call 111 (in New Zealand) for an ambulance if you think your child might have this illness.

Early treatment is very important.