Louisiana health officials reported Monday a fourth death from a rare, coronavirus-related inflammatory condition. The deaths were among Louisiana youth ages 2 to 19, with underlying medical conditions reported in two of the four deaths.
While younger populations tend to be more susceptible to coronavirus infections, some pediatric patients develop Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children, or MIS-C. The serious health condition occurs in people under 21, and includes potentially fatal inflammation of multiple organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, and eyes.
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These patients may have fever and other symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, and rash, according to a statement from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).
The specific cause of MIS-C is not yet understood, but it is known to occur in adolescents infected with, or exposed to, COVID-19, according to officials.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a serious health condition and involves potentially fatal inflammation of multiple organs. (iStock)
Health officials said the state is seeing an increasing number of MIS-C cases. By Monday, the total number of confirmed MIS-C cases in 44 had risen to 44. Infants just one month old, up to teens up to 19 years old, have been diagnosed with the condition in the state.
On average, these patients were hospitalized for seven days.
The LHD said it is required to report MIS-C and urged clinicians statewide to report all suspected cases immediately to the health department.
Health officials advise parents to look for signs of MIS-C in their children. Warning warning signs include difficulty breathing, chest pain or persistent pressure, confusion, inability to wake up, blue lips or face, and severe abdominal pain.
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