Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Found In Rappahannock District

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The Rappahannock Area Health District on Friday confirmed its first case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C, associated with COVID-19. The child has recovered. To protect privacy, no other patient information will be disclosed, the health district said.

MIS-C, previously called pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, is a rare but serious condition in children and is now believed to be linked to the coronavirus, according to health officials. 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.

This represents the seventh case of MIS-C in Virginia, and there have been no MIS-C related deaths reported so far in the state. Cases of MIS-C in Virginia are reported on the Virginia Department of Health website. This case will be added to the data, which is updated daily.

“This case was identified after the fact, based on new information that is available concerning this syndrome,” Rappahannock Area Health District Director Dr. Donald Stern said Friday in a statement. “COVID-19 is a novel virus, which means that our understanding of this disease as a scientific community is constantly growing. Identifying this case adds to our knowledge of the spectrum of COVID-19 related disease.”

The Rappahannock Area Health District provides public health services to residents of the city of Fredericksburg and Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties.

MIS-C may cause problems with a child’s heart and other organs. Most children with MIS-C have fever lasting several days and may show symptoms of irritability or decreased activity, abdominal pain without another explanation, diarrhea, vomiting, rash, conjunctivitis, lack of appetite, red or cracked lips, red or bumpy tongue, or swollen hands and feet.

Not all children with MIS-C have the same symptoms. Parents are asked to call their doctor immediately if their child becomes ill and has a continued fever or any symptoms.

Virginia Health Commissioner Norm Oliver M.D. provided information and guidance on the syndrome to health care providers in Virginia in a May 15 clinician letter.

“I urge all local health care providers to immediately report any patient who meets these criteria to the local health department,” Stern said. “Unfortunately, this serves as a reminder that much of our community remains susceptible to this disease."

Until a vaccine is identified, it is extremely important that everyone remain vigilant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus by practicing social distancing, frequent hand washing and wearing cloth face coverings, he said. However, face coverings are not recommended for children under the age of two.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Advisory on May 14 about MIS-C. With community spread of COVID-19 throughout Virginia, people of any age, race and gender are at risk for infection, severe illness and even death.

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