TABLE 1

Case definition for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

An individual < 21 years presenting with

  • Fever,a laboratory evidence of inflammation,b and evidence of clinically severe illness requiring hospitalization, with multisystem (> 2) organ involvement (cardiac, renal, respiratory, hematologic, gastrointestinal, dermatologic or neurological); AND

  • No alternative plausible diagnoses; AND

  • Positive for current or recent SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR, serology, or antigen test; or COVID-19 exposure within the 4 weeks prior to the onset of symptoms

Additional comments

  • Some individuals may fulfill full or partial criteria for Kawasaki disease but should be reported if they meet the case definition for MIS-C

  • Consider MIS-C in any pediatric death with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection

  • ↵a Fever > 38.0°C for ≥ 24 hours, or report of subjective fever lasting ≥ 24 hours.

  • ↵b Including, but not limited to, 1 or more of the following: an elevated C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen, procalcitonin, d-dimer, ferritin, lactic acid dehydrogenase, or interleukin 6, elevated neutrophils, reduced lymphocytes and low albumin.

  • RT-PCR = reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction Reproduced from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.7