What is MIS-C, and how is it impacting children associated with COVID-19

In both mild and severe cases of COVID-19, children can experience a condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C. This can happen during the initial period of infection or many weeks later.

MIS-C has been identified in the Campbell County, Wyoming community, and in some cases children have been transferred to health care systems that can provide a higher level of care.

Symptoms of MIC-C

According to the CDC, MIS-C is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, liver, gallbladder, stomach, intestines and more. Children with MIS-C may have:

• daily fevers
• abdominal (gut) pain
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• neck pain
• rash
• extreme irritability
• red eyes
• feel extra tired
• redness or swelling of the lips and tongue, or hands and feet
• headaches or lightheadedness
• enlarged lymph nodes

MIS-C appears to be connected to COVID-19

Doctors do suspect a connection between COVID-19 and MIS-C as some children who have MIS-C have also tested positive for COVID-19 or have been around someone with COVID-19.

What to do if you think your child has MIS-C

If your child is showing symptoms of MIS-C or COVID-19, contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider right away. If your child develops other emergency warning signs, please get medical attention immediately—take your child to the emergency department or call 911. Emergency warning signs can include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to stay awake
• Bluish face or trunk

MIS-C can be serious, even deadly, but the majority of children who are diagnosed with this condition get better when they have received medical care.

Our health care team at Campbell County Health is working alongside pediatricians and other healthcare providers around the nation to better understand this syndrome and how to best treat it.

How to prevent MIS-C?

According to the CDC, the best way you can protect your child is by taking everyday actions to prevent getting the virus that causes COVID-19. This includes:

• Have your child wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Keep your child at least 6 feet away from others who are sick or who do not live in your household.
• Encourage your child to avoid touching their face (nose, eyes and mouth).
• Have your child cover their mouth with a tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze.
• When you cannot practice social distancing, you and your child should wear a face mask—as long as your child is at least 2 years old.
• Clean and disinfect high touch areas in your home and car. And, wash clothing and other items as needed.
• Get the vaccine when it becomes available for you

Learn more about the pediatric services available in Gillette, Wyoming at www.cchwyo.org/peds.

CCH is open, safe and ready to see you

With almost 80 physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners in nearly 20 specialties, CCH is committed to your wellbeing right here at home. If you have been putting off a visit to your doctor for a regular checkup, contact them; they can help weigh your personal healthcare risk and avoid further delayed diagnoses.

Visit www.cchwyo.org/findadoc to find your provider or clinic.