British Columbia’s Ministry of Health has confirmed a second case of a rare inflammatory syndrome in children linked to COVID-19.
It was not immediately clear when the case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and adolescents, or MIS-C, was diagnosed, or whether the patient had since recovered.
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The province confirmed its first case of the condition in mid-October, and says it has investigated another 16 suspected cases that were found not to be MIS-C.
According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, children with MIS-C can become critically ill or even die.
The syndrome can lead to damaged blood vessels as well as inflammation around the heart or blood vessels, Henry said.
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In order to be diagnosed with MIS-C, patients must be younger than 19 and hospitalized, test positive for COVID-19 or have antibodies from the virus and have a fever for three or more days.
They must also show at least two other related symptoms, including gastrointestinal issues, a rash, red or inflamed eyes or inflammation and swelling around the mouth, hands or feet.