Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Case Reported In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Alexandria Health Department reported the city's first multisystem inflammatory syndrome case, a rare condition associated with the coronavirus. The case involves a child who hospitalized in early June and is now recovering at home.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome, abbreviated as MIS-C, is a rare but serious condition impacting different body parts and organs. Symptoms can vary by children but can include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes and feeling very tired. Health officials do not know the cause, but many cases are children who have the virus associated with COVID-19 or are around someone with COVID-19.

If a child becomes ill and has a fever or other symptoms of MIS-C, call a doctor. Call 911 or visit an emergency room if a child shows emergency signs such as trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest that doesn't go away, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face, or severe abdominal pain.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is looking into how the syndrome affects children.

"We don’t know why some children have gotten sick with MIS-C and others have not, the CDC's website states. "We also do not know if children with certain health conditions are more likely to get MIS-C. These are among the many questions CDC is working to try to understand."

According to the Virginia Department of Health, the first reports of this syndrome originated in the United Kingdom in late April and U.S. cases were first reported in New York City in early May. There have been two other reported cases in Virginia, both of which are in the Fairfax Health District.

The Virginia Department of Health is keeping track of multisystem inflammatory syndrome cases on its coronavirus case web page under the MIS-C tab.