MONROE, La. – The Chief Medical Officer of a children’s hospital said the MIS-C syndrome affecting children is rare, though parents should still be aware of the signs.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C, is a condition which can inflame different parts of the body.
that “The cause of MIS-C is unknown but many children with this condition had the virus that causes COVID-19 or had been exposed to someone with COVID-1.”
According to the Department’s website, the CDC defines a case as MIS-C when:
“The patient is under the age of 21, with a fever, laboratory evidence of inflammation, and severe illness involving more than two organs that requires hospitalization; AND
No other plausible diagnoses; AND
Positive COVID-19 test, or exposure to a confirmed case, within the four weeks prior to the onset of symptoms.”
“It’s still very new, so we’re still learning about this,” said Shaun Kemmerly, the Chief Medical Officer of Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge.
As of June 1st, the Louisiana Department of Health reported 13 cases of MIS-C statewide and one death.
Kemmerly said, though the syndrome is rare, it’s important to recognize the signs.
She said these can include redness in the eyes, persistent fever, abdominal pain, and tightness in the chest, among other symptoms.
“We’ve had a lot of literature from the CDC, from the American Academy of Pediatrics, from the Louisiana Department of Health, alerting pediatricians and pediatric specialists what to look for. So, if you are concerned, call your doctor, visit your doctor, and talk about your worries,” she said.
Kemmerly said she also doesn’t want people to be afraid to call their doctor, even during the pandemic.
“I want families to feel assured that the medical community has really put a lot of processes in place to make hospitals and clinics a safe environment to care for kids and families so if you have concerns, call your doctor. And they can talk with you about if they want to do a video visit with you or if they want you to come in-person to be evaluated.”
Kemmerly said, though the syndrome could possibly be linked to COVID-19, the cause is still unknown.
