Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare condition that affects a very small number of children.
MIS-C usually happens 2 to 6 weeks after a child has had COVID-19. They may have only had mild symptoms during their COVID-19 infection or had no symptoms at all.
MIS-C happens when the COVID-19 virus causes a huge over-reaction in the infection-fighting system (immune system). This can cause severe inflammation in many parts of the body.
MIS-C can also be called paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS).
Children with MIS-C have recovered from their COVID-19 infection and then get sick again.
If children get MIS-C they can get worse very quickly.
Symptoms of MIS-C can include:
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children is a very serious illness. Call 111 (in New Zealand) for an ambulance if you think your child might have this illness.
Early treatment is very important.
This page last reviewed 04 April 2022.
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