Signs and Symptoms of MIS

At a glance

  • Contact a doctor, nurse, or clinic right away if you or your child are showing symptoms of MIS.
  • MIS can be very serious, so it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible.
Young patient and caregiver holding hands in a hospital setting

What to look out for

Children and adults with MIS experience ongoing fever PLUS more than one of the following:

  • Stomach pain
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness (signs of low blood pressure)
  • Skin rash
  • Vomiting

When to seek emergency help

If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Pain or pressure in the chest that does not go away
  • Confusion or unusual behavior
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

This list does not include all possible symptoms. Please call a medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility.

Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.

Resources

Handouts to download or print

"How to Recognize Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)"