FAIRFAX, Va. -- A Northern Virginia child is recovering at home after becoming the state’s first confirmed a case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). A new condition associated with COVID-19.
“MIS-C may cause problems with a child’s heart and other organs,” a Virginia Department of Health spokesperson said. “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.”
The child was initially hospitalized May 5.
Parents should watch for persistent fever in their children and contact their pediatrician if a child appears especially ill.
“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. “All Virginians should take steps to avoid exposure to COVID-19 by practicing social distancing, frequent hand washing, and wearing cloth face coverings if appropriate.”
Cloth face coverings are not recommended for children under 2 years old.
