Colorado Hospitals Report Record Number Of MIS-C Cases Among Kids

Colorado hospitals have reported a record number of multisystem inflammatory syndrome cases among children, state public health officials announced Wednesday.

December saw the highest number of monthly cases, 29, since the coronavirus pandemic began, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. That case number is expected to grow as more research is reviewed, officials said.

Two children died from the syndrome in the spring of 2020, according to public health officials.

Though research continues to show that children most often have asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 infections, there is still a risk for severe illness that requires hospitalization, officials said.

“There’s 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 from COVID-19,” said Dr. Eric France, chief medical officer, CDPHE.

“As in-person learning resumes, it’s important that students continue to take measures to decrease the spread of COVID-19, such as masking, practicing physical distancing, hand washing, and staying home when they are ill.”

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Symptoms of the syndrome can include inflammation of the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or gastrointestinal organs. The cause of MIS-C is not yet known, but many children with the syndrome have either contracted the coronavirus or have been around someone with COVID-19 and were likely undiagnosed, public health officials said.

Parents and caregivers should contact their child’s health care provider if a child is showing symptoms of MIS-C, which can include a fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes or feeling exhausted. Parents should seek emergency care immediately for potentially life-threatening symptoms of the syndrome, which include trouble breathing, chest pain, new confusion, inability to stay awake, blue lips or face, or severe abdominal pain.

Children who are heading back to school for in-person learning should be tested if they have any COVID-19 symptoms or if they have come in contact with a case, officials said.