NORTH CAROLINA – The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services says the state's first case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 has been identified.
According to a release, NCDHHS has requested all health care providers to report any suspected cases of MIS-C and is currently monitoring for possible cases using existing surveillance systems. State health officials say they will not release any specific information about the North Carolina case due to privacy concerns.
MIS-C is a very rare condition, health officials say, but rates could increase as COVID-19 cases rise.
"Because children with this syndrome may become seriously ill, it is important that parents and caregivers know the signs and symptoms their children may have so they can get help right away," NCDHHS said in a release.
Officials say most children with MIS-C have a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, which lasts several days and is accompanied by additional symptoms such as:
- Irritability or decreased activity
- Abdominal pain without another explanation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Rash
- Conjunctivitis (red or pink eyes)
- Poor feeding
- Red, cracked lips or red, bumpy tongue that looks like a strawberry
- Swollen hands and feet, which might also be red
MIS-C, while not contagious on its own, may be accompanied by COVID-19 or another infection that may be contagious, officials say. For this reason, parents and caregivers should take extra precautions to prevent spread.
If your child experiences any of the symptoms mentioned above, along with a persistent fever, please contact their doctor immediately. If your child is seriously ill, proceed to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
For more information, visit the NCDHHS website here.