Rare Coronavirus Syndrome In Kids: MA Among Hardest-Hit States

MASSACHUSETTS — Massachusetts is among the three states hit hardest by a rare inflammatory syndrome in children battling the coronavirus, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The illness, known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), has been diagnosed in at least 31 children in Massachusetts. Children with the syndrome have symptoms resembling Kawasaki disease, another rare childhood condition that can cause swelling and heart problems. Other symptoms of MIS-C include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes or feeling extra tired.

Related: Rare Coronavirus-Related Illness In Children Reaches MA

The illness can affect the cardiovascular systems and cause inflammation of the muscles of the heart. It can also cause what's known as "strawberry tongue," a swollen, bumpy tongue.

According to the CDC report, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey each reported at least 31 cases of MIS-C between March and July. Illinois, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and California each reported 21 to 30 cases of the illness.

Over 70 percent of reported cases were in Black and Hispanic children.

The latest public health data shows 7,665 Massachusetts residents under age 20 have been diagnosed with COVID-19, making up less than 7 percent of the state's confirmed cases to date.

According to a Massachusetts Department of Public Health spokesman, the state has had 38 reported cases and zero deaths from the illness.