Still, much beyond that remains unknown. For example, we still aren’t able to predict which kids will get MIS-C and which won’t. (The syndrome does seem to be more common in Black and Latino children than in white children.) Symptoms also might not show up for many months, conceivably, meaning more cases could emerge than current rates suggest. The coronavirus is still new to us, and this possibility can’t be ruled out until we’ve lived with it for much longer than we have.
The good news is that treating MIS-C seems to be doable, mostly with corticosteroids (what we colloquially call steroids) to tamp down the overactive immune system—a tried-and-true practice in medicine for decades. The burden of this condition will fall heavily on people who don’t have the means to get treated. Expanding access to health care is a solvable challenge.
Read: The kids aren’t all right
Ultimately, the ways to prevent this syndrome from happening are also not mysterious. As with so many other problems in this pandemic—medical and societal—what we have to do is limit the spread of the coronavirus. That means the same simple recommendations we’re all tired of hearing about: wash your hands, wear a mask, and continue social distancing.
Besides preventing kids themselves from getting MIS-C and COVID-19, the other reason to prevent transmission is the possibility that children can pass the coronavirus to adults, who are much more likely to get severely sick or die. The risk of children passing on the coronavirus is what makes it so difficult to consider reopening schools and day cares simply by counting the number of pediatric illnesses. It’s a reminder that nearly every decision in this pandemic involves a series of costs and benefits that might not be immediately apparent, or even yet known to science.
Until we know more, a safe assumption is that the virus is affecting more children than we currently realize. Hopefully that proves wrong, and cases remain rare and treatable. But more than 500,000 people have now died of COVID-19 around the world. The bigger mistake would be to unduly downplay MIS-C and overlook something serious amid the chaos.
“Paging Dr. Hamblin” is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. By submitting a letter, you are agreeing to let The Atlantic use it—in part or in full—and we may edit it for length and/or clarity.
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