VA Child Recovering From Rare Coronavirus-Linked Condition

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The Fairfax Health District reported Tuesday the state's first case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare inflammatory disease associated with COVID-19.

The child, who was hospitalized on May 5, has since been discharged and is recovering at home. MIS-C, previously called pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, is a new health condition associated with COVID-19. The first reports of this syndrome came from the United Kingdom in late April. U.S. cases were first reported in New York City in early May.

MIS-C, similar to Kawasaki disease, which causes inflammation in some blood vessels, can cause rash, fever, red eyes, swollen hands and feet, abdominal pain and vomiting. The illness can also cause cardiovascular systems and inflammation of the muscles of the heart as well as what's known as "strawberry tongue," a swollen, bumpy tongue.

“I urge all health care providers in Virginia to immediately report any patient who meets these criteria to the local health department by the most rapid means,” Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver said Tuesday in a statement.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention previously reported a possible link between the new coronavirus and the syndrome.

Doctors across the country have been investigating similar cases in at least 150 children. The condition seems to be affecting youth after they have had a bout with the coronavirus.

Parents should watch for persistent fever in their children and contact their pediatrician if a child appears especially ill. The CDC issued a health advisory last Thursday about the syndrome, which may include symptoms of persistent fever, hypotension, multisystem organ involvement and elevated markers of inflammation.

Last Friday, Oliver issued a clinician letter providing information and guidance on the syndrome to health care providers in Virginia.