You may have heard news reports about a possible connection between COVID-19 and a rare but serious health condition in children called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Scientists from around the world, including pediatric specialists, are working together to understand MIS-C and how best to diagnose and treat it.

The link between COVID-19 and MIS-C is not well understood, and we are trying to learn if some children are more at risk. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) wants to reassure parents that very few children get severely ill from the virus that causes COVID-19. So far, most children who have been diagnosed with MIS-C have recovered after getting medical care.