Central CA health officials warn against increase in children affected by serious COVID-19-related illnesses

FRESNO, California (KFSN) – Local health officials are warning of an increase in serious illnesses affecting children in Central California.

The health department in Fresno County and Valley Children’s Hospital reported that they are seeing an increasing trend in the number of cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).

MIS-C can cause inflammation for various body parts, including the lungs, heart, brain, skin or kidneys. It is found in children and young adults younger than 21 years.

Officials say more than 400 cases of MIS-C have been reported in California, and a large number of cases come from Central California.

The cause of MIS-C is not clear, but doctors say it has been seen in children who have had COVID-19. The condition can become serious, but health officials say it can be improved with medical care.

The health department said the increase in MIS-C cases could coincide with an increase in COVID cases in the area that occurred weeks ago.

Officials have warned that the number of MIS-C cases could also rise as more schools reopen and youth leagues resume. They urge parents to be on the lookout for possible symptoms and to have adults vaccinated in the home to protect children too young to get the chance.

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Some of the common symptoms that health officials say they are aware of are fever, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, fatigue. More severe symptoms include chest pain, blue lips, increased fatigue and abdominal pain.

This is an evolving story.