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Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (or MIS-C) is a rare but serious illness in children and teens (younger than 21 years old) who had COVID-19 and develop inflammation in their bodies up to 8 weeks later.

MIS-C is thought to be caused by an immune response to COVID-19. All of us fight off infections with an immune response, but children with MIS-C have a severe and often delayed immune response to COVID-19.

This immune response can cause inflammation (or irritation) in certain areas of the body. These areas can include: the heart, lungs, kidneys brain, skin, eyes, and/or gastrointestinal (stomach area) organs.

Promoting COVID-19 prevention strategies, especially vaccination in children which is 91% effective at preventing MIS-C, is the best way to protect children and teens from MIS-C.

Use the following fact sheet, Q&A, and social media messaging to educate general audiences about MIS-C. This material is downloadable and shareable.

Also, learn more about MIS-C by visiting our MIS-C information page and our MIS-C Data page.

Sign up for the CDPH MIS-C newsletter for health professionals.

Fact Sheet

Don't Miss the Signs fact sheet

Don't MISS the Signs of MIS-C fact sheet (PDF) – English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ thumbnail

Frequently Asked Questions about MIS-C - English (PDF), Spanish (PDF)

Social Media Messaging

Use the following images and message on social media.

Click on each image to enlarge, then right click and "save as."​

English

​DYK? MIS-C can be mistaken for other childhood illnesses
 ​Suggested Message: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a rare but severe condition that can occur in children and teens who recently had #COVID19, even if they do not show COVID-19 symptoms. MIS-C can also look like other childhood illnesses. Talk to a healthcare provider if your child shows any signs of MIS-C like fever, stomach pain, a skin rash, blookshot eyes and/or dizziness. Learn how to recognize MIS-C at http://bit.ly/CA_MIS-C
​You can reduce Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children by protecting your child from COVID-19
 ​Suggested Message: Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a rare but serious condition that can occur in children and teens who recently had #COVID19, even if they didn't have COVID-19 symptoms. Help prevent MIS-C by preventing COVID-19. To learn more about MIS-C, visit http://bit.ly/CA_MIS-C
​DYK? You can protect your child from MIS-C by getting them vaccinated for COVID-19
 ​Suggested Message: Did you know that MIS-C (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children) is a rare but serious condition that can occur in children and teens days to weeks after having COVID-19? The best way to protect your family is to get vaccinated against #COVID19. To learn more about MIS-C visit http://bit.ly/CA_MIS-C
​CDPH recommentds the COVID-19 vaccine to protect children against COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children
 ​Suggested Message: One of the best ways to prevent Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is to get the #COVID19 #vaccine. To learn more about ways to protect children from MIS-C, visit http://bit.ly/CA_MIS-C 


Spanish

​El Síndrome Inflamatorio Multisistémico en Niños
​Suggested Message: El Síndrome Inflamatorio Multisistémico en Niños (MIS-C) es una condición poco común pero grave que puede ocurrir tanto en niños como en adolescentes que recientemente padecieron #COVID19, incluso si no tuvieron síntomas de COVID-19. El MIS-C también puede parecerse a otras enfermedades infantiles. Habla con un proveedor de atención médica si tu hijo tiene algún síntoma de MIS-C como fiebre, dolor de estómago, sarpullido, enrojecimiento de ojos y/o mareos. Obtén información sobre como reconocer el MIS-C en http://bit.ly/CA_MIS-C
​El Síndrome Inflamatorio Multisistémico en Niños
​Suggested Message: El Síndrome Inflamatorio Multisistémico en Niños (MIS-C) es una condición poco común pero grave que puede ocurrir tanto en niños como en adolescentes que recientemente padecieron #COVID19, incluso si no tuvieron síntomas de COVID-19. Ayuda a prevenir el MIS-C previniendo el COVID-19. Para obtener más información sobre MIS-C, visita http://bit.ly/CA_MIS-C
​You can protect your child from MIS-C by getting them vaccinated for COVID-19
​Suggested Message: ¿Sabías que el MIS-C (Síndrome Inflamatorio Multisistémico en Niños) es una condición poco común pero grave que puede ocurrir tanto en niños como en adolescentes días o semanas después de haber padecido COVID-19? La mejor manera de proteger a tu familia es vacunándose todos contra #COVID19. Para obtener más información sobre MIS-C, visita http://bit.ly/CA_MIS-C 
​Una de las mejores maneras de prevenir el Síndrome Inflamatorio Multisistémico en Niños
​Suggested Message: Una de las mejores maneras de prevenir el Síndrome Inflamatorio Multisistémico en Niños (MIS-C) es poniéndose la #vacuna contra #COVID19. Para obtener más información sobre las formas de proteger a los niños del MIS-C, visita http://bit.ly/CA_MIS-C 

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