Officials with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control confirmed that a teenager has died from a rare coronavirus-related condition. On Wednesday (January 27), the 17 year old from the Upstate became the first person in the state to die from Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). To protect the family's privacy, no additional information about the teen has been released.
"It's heartbreaking to have to report the death of such a young person," said Dr. Linda Bell, state epidemiologist. "Our condolences go out to the family and to the many families that have suffered loss related to COVID-19."
MIS-C is a rare condition that can occur in children and teens who have had COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone infected with the virus. Since July 2020, at least 42 cases of MIS-C have been reported among juveniles in South Carolina. Health experts believe the rise in coronavirus cases across the state could lead to more cases of MIS-C.
"With the number of cases of COVID-19 we're seeing in our state, we must be prepared for the unfortunate possibility of more children being affected by MIS-C," said Dr. Brannon Traxler, interim public health director for DHEC.
According to DHEC, symptoms of MIS-C include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, and fatigue. While the majority of those with MIS-C recover, the condition can still cause severe cases and even death.
"We continue to remind South Carolinians that COVID-19 is spreading in our communities at a high rate and it is vital that we all take the steps we know to protect us all from this deadly disease: wear a mask, stay six feet away from others, wash your hands frequently, and avoid crowds," said Dr. Traxler. "And when your time comes, get vaccinated."
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