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A Central Mississippi child has the state’s first case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. The illness is found in children 18 and under and is thought to be associated with previous COVID-19 infection.
State Health Officer Doctor Thomas Dobbs said the illness is rare and not contagious.
“As far as that specific case, it is a treatable disease,” Doctor Hobbs said in a press conference. “We do have several others that we’re monitoring and are possible cases, so I would expect to see more over the coming weeks.”
Even though COVID-19 affects older Mississippians at a higher rate, Doctor Dobbs said of all ages should continue to wear masks and social distance.
“Coronavirus is actively circulating in our communities and everyone is still at risk,” Doctor Dobbs said. “Coronavirus, although still dangerous for older folks and people with chronic medical issues, is dangerous for everyone.”
The health department is also reporting its first pediatric flu death since 2018 in the central Mississippi area. The death is not thought to be related to COVID-19.
