Two children in Washington test positive for coronavirus-related syndrome

Two cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 have been confirmed in Snohomish and King Counties.

One patient is under the age of 10, while the other is between 10 and 19 years of age. Both received treatment at Seattle Children’s Hospital and are currently recovering.

According to the Washington State Department of Health, healthcare providers in the UK were the first to recognize cases of MIS-C in late April.

“In Washington, we are tracking this issue closely and working with local health departments and providers to learn more,” said Dr. Kathy Lofy, state health officer for DOH, in a press release. “Early last week we asked all healthcare providers in the state to be on the lookout and immediately report possible cases to local health authorities.”

So far, these two cases are Washington’s only reports of healthy children presenting with the severe inflammatory syndrome.

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The current definition for the syndrome includes fever, laboratory evidence of inflammation, and severe illness involving more than two organs that require hospitalization, no other plausible diagnoses, and a positive coronavirus test or exposure to a confirmed case within the four weeks prior to the onset of symptoms.

“Parents who have concerns about possible COVID-19 in their children should contact their healthcare provider promptly,” said Dr. Jeff Duchin, health officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, in a press release. “Identifying this syndrome early is important because treatments are available for the serious complications.”

Dr. Chris Spitters, health officer for the Snohomish Health District, reminds Washingtonians that “while the vast majority of children appear to have mild or asymptomatic infection, it’s important to remember that – although rare – some children can develop serious complications like these.”

Healthcare providers who have cared or are caring for patients younger than 21 years of age meeting MIS-C criteria should report suspected cases to their local public health agency.