4th Washington Child Diagnosed With Syndrome Linked To COVID-19

FRANKLIN COUNTY, WA — The Benton-Franklin Health District is reporting a new case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C, a recently-discovered disorder that appears in children who have been infected with or exposed to the coronavirus.

Health officials say the latest case is in a Franklin County child who is under 10 years old, who has been hospitalized for treatment. The health district says no other information on the child will be released in the interest of maintaining the patient's privacy.

The child is Washington's fourth diagnosed with MIS-C and the first in Benton or Franklin counties. Earlier this month, health officials confirmed cases in Snohomish and King counties.

MIS-C was first identified by health care workers in the UK back in late April. The disorder is an inflammatory disorder similar to Kawasaki's disease.

It's still largely unclear why some children get MIS-C and others do not, but the CDC defines MIS-C as a syndrome only appearing in patients under 21 who have fevers, inflammation and severe illness involving more than two organs and which require hospitalization. Patients also must have tested positive for the coronavirus or have been exposed to a confirmed case sometime within the last four weeks, and have no other plausible diagnoses in order to be diagnosed with MIS-C.

Leaders with the Benton-Franklin Health District says that any parent who is concerned their child may have MIS-C or the coronavirus should seek treatment immediately.

“Parents who are concerned about possible COVID-19 in their children should contact their medical provider,” said Health Officer Dr. Amy Person. “It’s important to identify this syndrome early because treatments are available for the serious complications. While most children appear to have mild or asymptomatic infections, rare complications like MIS-C can occur.”

Parents are advised to seek emergency care immediately if their child shows these early warning signs of MIS-C:

• Difficulty breathing
• A persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• Confusion
• Inability to stay away
• Bluish lips or face
• Severe abdominal pain

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