Colorado saw an increase in cases of a COVID-19-linked inflammatory syndrome in children later in the year, and the state health department advised parents to be vigilant when their children return to school.
Much is still unknown about multisystemic inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C, but almost all children who have it have had positive results for COVID-19. Most children recover from the virus after mild or no symptoms. A small fraction of infected children become seriously ill due to an exaggerated immune reaction, about two to four weeks after having the virus.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported an increase in MIS-C cases in December, with nine cases confirmed and 16 others under review. If these cases are confirmed, it will be more than double the total since spring.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 20 cases in Colorado between May and November. Two Colorado children died of MIS-C complications in the spring.
Children with symptoms of COVID-19 or who were close to someone who has the virus should be tested, the state health department said.
Parents should take their children to an emergency room if they experience severe symptoms of MIS-C, such as:
- Breathing problems
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Inability to stay awake
- Blue lips or face
- Severe abdominal pain
Other symptoms can be caused by a variety of illnesses, and parents should call a doctor if a child begins to experience them:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Neck pain
- Rash
- Red eyes
- Excessive tiredness
Most children recover after treatment with medications to reduce inflammation, such as steroids, and supportive care such as intravenous fluids or supplemental oxygen. Without treatment, children are at risk of injury to the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs.
“There is still a lot we don’t know about MIS-C and the notable increase in cases is a clear reminder that our children are also at risk of serious complications due to COVID-19,” Dr. Eric France, medical director of the department of state health, said in a press release. “As face-to-face learning is resumed, it is important that students continue to take steps to decrease the spread of COVID-19, such as masking, practicing physical distance, washing hands and staying at home when they are sick.”