Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or gastrointestinal organs. The cause of MIS-C is unknown but many children with this condition had the virus that causes COVID-19 or had been exposed to someone with COVID-19. To respect the privacy of patients and their families, the Department of Health will not share additional information about deaths at this time. 

The CDC defines a case as MIS-C when:

• The patient is under the age of 21, with a fever, laboratory evidence of inflammation, and severe illness involving more than two organs that requires hospitalization; AND
• No other plausible diagnoses; AND
• Positive COVID-19 test, or exposure to a confirmed case, within the four weeks prior to the onset of symptoms.

As of 04/05/2023 

The Louisiana Department of Health will update information on MIS-C monthly on its coronavirus webpage.

Providers who have cared for or who are caring for patients younger than 21 years of age meeting MIS-C criteria should immediately report these cases to the Louisiana Office of Public Health Infectious Disease Epidemiology team.