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First Pediatric Flu Death of 2020 and First Case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

May 19, 2020

This page has been automatically translated from English. MSDH has not reviewed this translation and is not responsible for any inaccuracies.

First Pediatric Flu Death of 2020

JACKSON, Miss. – Today the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is reporting its first pediatric flu death of 2020. The death was in a child from Central Mississippi. The child did not test positive for COVID-19.

This is the first pediatric flu death in Mississippi since 2018.

“We’ve recently been focused on COVID-19, but this sadly reminds us that an annual flu vaccine is important for anyone ages 6 months and older,” said MSDH State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs.

First Case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

Additionally, today MSDH is reporting its first case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). The case was in a child in Central Mississippi who tested positive for COVID-19 and has been discharged from the hospital. MSDH is also investigating other suspected cases.

MIS-C in an inflammatory illness found in children under 18 years of age and may be associated with previous COVID-19 infection. The illness is rare and not contagious.

“This is a reminder that while the number of COVID-19 cases in children has been relatively low, the virus can still cause severe illness in children. This syndrome presents itself post-COVID-19 infection,” said Dobbs.

For more information on the latest COVID-19 guidance and case updates visit the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com/covid-19.

Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.


Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667
Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948)

Last reviewed on May 19, 2020
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Mississippi State Department of Health 570 East Woodrow Wilson Dr Jackson, MS 39216 866-HLTHY4U Contact and information

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