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.
