First Death From MIS-C COVID-19 Syndrome Reported In Virginia

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — A child from the Prince William Health District was the first Virginia resident to die of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health announced on Friday.

The child was between 10 and 19 years old, the VDH said. No other information about the patient has been publicly released in an effort to protect the family's privacy.

MIS-C, which was previously called Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, is a condition connected to COVID-19 infections. There are currently 111 reported cases of MIS-C in Virginia, according to state health officials.

Dr. M. Norman Oliver is the Virginia health commissioner. "We are devastated by this sad news, and our hearts go out to the family and friends of this child," Dr. Oliver said. "COVID-19 continues to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths across Virginia and the U.S."

The Centers for Disease Control first issued an advisory about MIS-C in May 2020. State health officials said it is unknown how common the syndrome may be among children.

The syndrome can affect a child's heart, lung, kidney, and other organs, Dr. Oliver said. Symptoms of MIS-C include an ongoing fever and at least one of the following: stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash, bloodshot eyes, dizziness or lightheadedness.

VDH officials said parents should take their child to the emergency room if they exhibit severe warning signs such as trouble breathing, pressure in the chest that won't go away, severe abdominal pain, or an inability to stay awake.

"As we enter a time of year when families are traveling and gathering for holidays, we urge all Virginians to take steps to protect themselves and their families," Dr. Oliver said. "Please get vaccinated if you are eligible. Practice social distancing, frequent hand washing, and wearing face coverings, as appropriate. COVID-19 vaccinations are free and available to anyone age 5 and older at multiple locations across the Commonwealth."

Virginia residents can find a vaccination site near them online, or by calling the state's vaccine hotline at 1-877-829-4682