COVID-19 leads to Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Boulder County young adult

NEWS RELEASE
BOULDER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
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A 20-year-old Boulder County resident who had mild COVID symptoms developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) three weeks later. While most young adults experience mild symptoms from COVID-19, this case is an example of how the disease can progress and how little is known about the long-term impacts of the illness.

The resident had very mild symptoms of COVID-19 and appeared to have fully recovered. About three weeks later, however, they developed severe abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, and fever and were eventually hospitalized, requiring intensive care. Fortunately, their condition improved enough to be discharged from the hospital.

“I hope sharing the information about this patient’s experience will help others to better understand how serious COVID-19 can be, even for young people,” said Heather Pujet, MD, an infectious disease doctor at Boulder Community Health. “The patient became extremely ill very quickly with multi-organ system involvement; they fortunately recovered after a period of severe illness. However, this should serve as a warning for the younger people in the community to please not disregard their own personal risks with COVID-19.”

MIS-C is a newly identified inflammatory condition that primarily occurs in children, and has been compared to Kawasaki disease due to the similarity in symptoms. The condition causes different body parts to become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. Common symptoms of MIS-C include fever, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, red eyes, red lips, trouble breathing, and seeming confused/sleepy.

“Much remains unknown about how this condition develops, but it’s related to the body’s attempts to fight an invader,” said Sam Dominguez, MD, PhD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado. “It’s very important for parents to promptly seek medical care if they notice any of these symptoms.”

Based on what is known about MIS-C, the best way to protect children and young adults from the illness is to make sure that the entire household takes everyday actions to prevent getting COVID-19.

“The same simple tools we use to fight COVID-19 – wearing a mask, keeping our distance, limiting gatherings, and staying home when we’re sick – can help keep your family safe from this terrible condition,” said Jeff Zayach, Boulder County Public Health executive director.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or MIS-C should contact their health care provider for guidance on testing and treatment.

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