A child in southeast Wisconsin has died from a rare condition associated with COVID-19, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) causes inflammation and affects organs like the heart, lungs and brain. The syndrome typically occurs in young children between the ages of 3 and 12 who have been exposed to COVID.
There have been 183 cases of MIS-C in Wisconsin since the pandemic began, but this is the first case to result in a child’s death.
The child who died was younger than 10 years old.
“We are saddened to report that a child has passed away from MIS-C,” State Health Officer Paula Tran said. “As COVID-19 continues to cause illness, hospitalizations, and death in our communities, we urge all Wisconsinites to take steps to protect themselves against COVID-19.”
DHS officials say the best way to prevent MIS-C is to protect children from COVID-19.
That includes getting children older than 5 years old vaccinated, and boosting children older than 12.
DHS also recommends wearing a well-fitted mask.
If a child shows warning signs of MIS-C, like a lingering fever, lasting chest pain, blueish lips or the inability wake up, DHS says to call 911 or go to an emergency room immediately.
