Case of MIS-C reported in Washoe County

Serious multisystem inflammatory syndrome confirmed; case is not contagious

Reno, Nev. Sept. 11, 2020. The Washoe County Health District is reporting a pediatric case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare disease among children that leads to adverse health impacts. This is the first MIS-C case in Washoe County.

The case previously tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered, but then came down with symptoms and was hospitalized. The symptoms can include fever, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes and fatigue, and can vary from child to child.

MIS-C is a rare but severe condition where the body’s organs become inflamed. MIS-C can occur approximately 2-4 weeks after the onset of COVID-19 in children and adolescents under the ages of 20 years. The risk factors that result in increased likelihood for developing MIS-C are not well understood.

According to early studies by CDC, approximately two-thirds of MIS-C cases did not have preexisting medical conditions prior to onset of MIS-C. Early identification, diagnoses and treatment are important to prevent long-lasting impacts to internal organs.

“This re-enforces the importance of testing for COVID-19 for everyone, especially children,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer for Washoe County. “Given that children are most likely to contract MIS-C, it’s imperative that we keep our children safe by taking safety precautions with COVID-19, such as wearing a face covering, social distancing and washing your hands frequently. Our thoughts are with the child and their family and we hope for a speedy recovery.”

The CDC says to seek emergency care right away if your child is showing any of these emergency warning signs of MIS-C:

• Rash
• Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea
• Bloodshot eyes, or “pink eye”
• Fever
• Trouble breathing
• Pain or pressure in the chest that does not go away
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face
• Severe abdominal pain

More information about MIS-C can be found on the CDC website.

The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.