I think keeping an eye on children for a few months after seems sensible. Here’s what to look out for according to one LA hospital:
www.chla.org/blog/health-and-safety-tips/multisystem-inflammatory-syndrome-children-mis-c-what-parents-should
What is MIS-C?
MIS-C stands for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Formerly called pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome, or PIMS, it describes a new health condition seen in children who have been infected with novel coronavirus, recovered from it and later have an immune response that results in significant levels of inflammation in organ systems and symptoms. MIS-C is similar to other inflammatory conditions like Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome. Children who have MIS-C generally did not have obvious symptoms when they were infected with novel coronavirus, like cough, and generally were healthy prior to developing MIS-C.
Is MIS-C contagious?
No. MIS-C is not contagious. In order to have MIS-C, a child must have had the infection previously. It is believed that, for one to have the antibodies for COVID-19, a patient must be past the contagious stage of the disease.
Do you need to have another health condition to get MIS-C?
No. MIS-C does not appear to be limited to children who already have another chronic or significant illness that compromises their immune system.
If I think my child has MIS-C, what should I do?
If you think that your child has MIS-C, you should contact your child’s doctor or pediatrician immediately. Specialty hospitals like Children’s Hospital Los Angeles are sharing their findings with pediatricians in the community so that they know what to look for when screening patients. Families are likely to be able to obtain an initial screening quickly by contacting their pediatrician. At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a clinical team is devoted to finding out more information about MIS-C and is working to develop and release timely information to pediatricians who are members of the CHLA Health Network.
Families with a child experiencing serious illness should not delay in getting care and should immediately seek attention from their nearest emergency room.
What will my pediatrician ask me?
Your child’s doctor or pediatrician is likely to discuss several symptoms with you, and will be particularly alert to children who have experienced a high fever for four or more days combined with other symptoms that may include:
Abdominal pain without another explanation
Both eyes appearing pink or red
Enlarged lymph node (“gland”) on one side of the neck
Fever for seven or more days in an infant, for which no other explanation is identified
Red, cracked lips or red tongue that looks like a strawberry
Rash
Swollen hands and feet, which might also be red