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

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

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a huge over-reaction in the infection-fighting system (immune system). The syndrome usually happens 2 to 6 weeks after a child has had COVID-19. MIS-C can cause severe inflammation in many parts of the body. 

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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. 

This page last reviewed 04 April 2022.

Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 any time of the day or night for free health advice when you need it