The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued an alert about several cases of a rare multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The University of Michigan Health Lab says symptoms include a high fever that lasts four or more days, a rash, very red eyes, abdominal pain and skin peeling on hands or feet. The condition resembles a rare childhood illness called Kawasaki disease, which has similar signs and symptoms and can lead to enlargement of blood vessels that in severe forms may cause heart damage.

The syndrome was first reported on April 26, 2020, by doctors in the United Kingdom.   Previously  healthy children were presenting with a severe inflammatory syndrome with Kawasaki disease-like features.  The cases occurred in children testing positive for current or recent infection by SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

During March and April, cases of COVID-19 rapidly increased in New York City and New York State. In early May 2020, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene received reports of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome. From April 16 through May 4, 2020, 15 patients aged 2-15 years were hospitalized, many requiring admission to the intensive care unit. As of May 12, 2020, the New York State Department of Health identified 102 patients (including patients from New York City) with similar presentations.

Other countries are reporting similar cases, and at least 16 states and the District of Columbia have seen cases of this syndrome (Washington D.C., California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah and Washington).

Healthcare providers say that the syndrome is very rare, even though it’s getting a lot of attention.  Doctors theorize the virus may trigger the immune system to overreact and cause widespread inflammation throughout the body.

There is much unknown about COVID-19 and the underlying virus, but the CDC is asking healthcare providers see patients younger than 21 years of age meeting MIS-C criteria should report suspected cases to their county or state health department.

The alert has detailed information.

There is also information available from the UK’s Royal College of Paedeatrics and Child Health.