About MIS
The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) and CDC have developed a new CSTE/CDC MIS-C surveillance case definition, corresponding case report form [441 KB, 3 pages], and case report form guidance document [329 KB, 10 pages] to be used starting January 1, 2023. MIS-C cases with illness onset before January 1, 2023, but reported after January 1, 2023, will be assigned using the 2020 CDC MIS-C case definition but reported using the new case report form. An interim case reporting guidance document [181 KB, 4 pages] will be provided for these cases.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and Adults (MIS-A)
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) is a rare but serious condition associated with COVID-19 in which different internal and external body parts become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal tract. MIS can affect children (MIS-C) and adults (MIS-A).
MIS-C case definition includes people who are younger than 21 years old, and MIS-A case definition includes people who are 21 years and older.
Based on what we know now, the best way to prevent MIS-C or MIS-A is to take actions to protect yourself from getting COVID-19, including COVID-19 vaccination for people 6 months and older.
MIS-C and MIS-A Signs and Symptoms
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



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.