Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and Adults (MIS-A)
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) is a rare but serious condition associated with COVID-19 in which different body parts become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. MIS can affect children (MIS-C) and adults (MIS-A).
MIS-C case definition includes people who are younger than 21 years old, and MIS-A case definition includes people who are 21 years and older.
Based on what we know now, the best way to prevent MIS-C or MIS-A is to take actions to protect yourself from getting COVID-19, including COVID-19 vaccination for people 12 and older.
MIS-C and MIS-A Signs and Symptoms
Children and adults with MIS experience:
• Ongoing fever PLUS more than one of the following:
o Stomach pain
o Bloodshot eyes
o Diarrhea
o Dizziness or lightheadedness (signs of low blood pressure)
o Skin rash
o Vomiting
When to seek Emergency Care
If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
• Trouble breathing
• Pain or pressure in the chest that does not go away
• Confusion or unusual behavior
• Severe abdominal pain
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
This list does not include all possible symptoms. Please call a medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
Differences between MIS-A and MIS-C
MIS-C and MIS-A are similar in many ways. However, MIS-C is more common than MIS-A. Severe outcomes might be more likely for MIS-A because of differences in the immune systems of adults compared with children, as well as the higher likelihood of underlying medical conditions in adults.
What CDC is doing about MIS
CDC has a dedicated team investigating MIS-C and MIS-A to learn more about these conditions and communicate information quickly to patients, healthcare providers, and parents and caregivers, as well as to state, local, and territorial health departments. The team is working with U.S. and international scientists, healthcare providers, and other partners to learn more about MIS. They are learning about how often it happens and who is likely to get this condition, and providing guidance to patients, parents and caregivers, and healthcare providers.