The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed 33 cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) in children.
Health authorities say MIS-C is a rare but serious complication associated with COVID-19. It causes different body parts to become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or gastrointestinal organs.
Children with MIS-C may have fever and various symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, or feeling extra tired.
According to DSHS, all 33 of the cases were hospitalized, with 26 admitted to the ICU. As of October 13, 30 patients were discharged, one patient died and two remain hospitalized.
The age range is nine months to 18-years-old with the median age being 8-years-old.
Nine of the cases were in Central Texas.
Officials have not determined the cause of MIS-C, however many children with MIS-C had the virus that causes COVID-19 or had been around someone with COVID-19.
DSHS says parents and caregivers should contact their child's health care provider if a child shows symptoms of MIS-C. Providers should report suspected cases to their public health department.
Health officials say the best way to protect your children against the condition is to take precautions to prevent anyone in the household from getting COVID-19.
