LINCOLN, Neb. – A third confirmed case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The child from Douglas County was recently hospitalized and later released - https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/latest-news . MIS-C is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs.
Two cases of MIS-C were reported earlier in June - one in Dawson County and one in Douglas County. Both children were hospitalized and later released.
Experts don't know exactly what causes this syndrome, but they do know that many children diagnosed with it had COVID-19 or had been around someone with COVID-19. The syndrome appears to be an uncommon manifestation potentially tied to COVID-19. It can be very serious, but most children diagnosed with the condition have gotten better with medical care.
DHHS shared information on recognizing, managing and reporting potential cases of MIS-C with health care providers and local health departments across the state in a May 18 Health Alert Network advisory.
There is still a lot to learn about MIS-C and more study is needed. State and local health departments nationwide are working with federal partners to investigate cases and possible causes.
Fast facts about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children:
- MIS-C is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs.
- Experts are working to determine the exact cause of MIS-C.
- Many children with MIS-C had the virus that causes COVID-19 or had been around someone with COVID-19.
- Symptoms of MIS-C include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, feeling extra tired.
- If parents see potential symptoms of MIS-C in their child, they should contact their health care provider immediately.
- MIS-C can be serious and there have been deaths associated with the syndrome, but most children diagnosed with MIS-C have gotten better with medical care according to the CDC.
- Based on what is known about MIS-C, the best way to protect your child is by taking everyday actions to prevent your child and other household members from getting COVID-19 - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/protect-children.html
- Parents or caregivers who have concerns about their child's health, including concerns about COVID-19 or MIS-C, should call a pediatrician or other healthcare provider right away.
More information on MIS-C can be found on the CDC's website - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/mis-c.html .
For more information on COVID-19, go to www.dhhs.ne.gov/coronavirus.
From Douglas County Health Department
Health Department Confirms Second MIS-C Case in Douglas County - June 16, 2020
El Departamento de Salud confirma el Segundo caso de MIS-C
There is a second confirmed case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) in Douglas County. The Douglas County Health Department reports a teenage boy with a brief history of a fever, sore throat and fatigue was hospitalized for several days in late May and tested positive for COVID-19.
The patient lives with several family members, including adults, at least one of whom has tested positive for COVID-19.
MIS-C is a condition believed to be related to COVID-19 and individuals who contract the syndrome have symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease, which may include a rash, fever, fatigue and abdominal pain.
“If you see any of these symptoms in your child, please seek immediate emergency care,” Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “While MIS-C appears to be similar to Kawasaki disease, we have much to learn.”
This syndrome can lead to multiple organ inflammation and can be deadly. However, most children recover with medical treatment. Many children who acquire MIS-C have been around a person who has tested positive for COVID-19. As in other cases, the young person in this case also tested positive for the disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says doctors may provide medicines or fluids to make the patient feel better and others to treat inflammation. Most children who become ill can be treated in the hospital, but some will need to go to the pediatric intensive care unit.
“Your child will look sick if they have MIS-C,” Dr. Pour said. “Please don’t hesitate to seek care.”
The Mosquito Watch is Back! - June 16, 2020
Mosquito-borne illnesses affect 100 million people per year around the globe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are in that time of year when mosquitoes make their seasonal return, and some may carry the West Nile virus.
The Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) is working to protect the public by placing mosquito larvicide in potential breeding sites or stagnant waterways, That helps prevent the spread of the West Nile virus and reduces mosquito populations. Using CDC funding, DCHD will trap mosquitoes every other week to survey their populations and variety in Douglas County. Trapped mosquitoes are counted and tested for Zika, West Nile virus and Chikungunya at the Nebraska State Public Health Lab.
“The West Nile virus is well established in Douglas County,” Health Director Dr. Adi Pour stated. “We can expect more cases.”
Various species of Culex mosquito can carry the virus that causes West Nile disease. Those mosquitoes are most active around dusk and dawn. Certain varieties of the Aedes mosquito can carry the Zika virus and DCHD traps for them as well. Aedes mosquitos are more active during the daytime hours.
Here’s how you can help protect yourself from mosquito bites:
- You can apply a mosquito repellent that includes DEET, and the CDC also has approved picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- When using sunscreen the CDC recommends applying sunscreen before repellant and avoid using combined products.
- Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts, plus pants, shoes and socks when outdoors.
- Avoid outdoor activity around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Remove standing water or report it to the Health Department for treatment.
- While some viruses can be spread to people who are bitten by mosquitoes, only a small percentage of mosquitoes carry a virus.
Since its arrival in Nebraska, the number of West Nile virus cases in Douglas County has ranged from a record number of 71 human cases in 2018 to a low of three cases in 2009 and 2015.
It Only Takes 20 Seconds - June 15, 2020
Solo Toma 20 Minutos
It’s so easy to take for granted and take a short cut when you’re in a hurry but a few extra seconds is really all it takes.
Handwashing is more important now than ever, but make sure to do it for 20 seconds. Warm water with soap and 20 seconds is an excellent tool in fighting the spread of COVID-19.
If you want an idea of how long that is, just sing the “Happy Birthday” song to yourself twice. That’s it, but it really can make a difference.
Do that, wear a mask to protect other people, and you are doing two things that really make a difference.
On Monday, June 15, the Health Department reported 68 new cases of COVID-19. That brings the total number of cases in Douglas County to 5,848 from this outbreak.
There are two new deaths to report today in Douglas County, a man and a woman both of whom were more than 70 years old. The total number of lives lost to COVID-19 in the county now is 59. DCHD has confirmed 1,818 county residents have recovered from the illness.
As of this morning, metro area hospitals reported 360 medical and surgical beds were available for a 73 percent occupancy rate and 125 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19. Of the 367 ventilators available to area hospitals, 124 were in use, including 29 for confirmed COVID-19 patients.