A 7-year-old woman from Chicago practically died after creating a uncommon complication linked to COVID.

The woman, recognized solely as Heather by ABC 7, was identified with what is called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Youngsters (MIS-C).

MIS-C is a situation the place elements of the physique resembling the guts, lungs, kidney, mind, pores and skin, eyes and gastrointestinal organs turn into infected. In accordance with the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), it's unclear what causes MIS-C, however youngsters have developed it after being identified with COVID or being close to somebody who has.

The CDC advises carers to contact well being professionals "instantly" if a baby is demonstrating MIS-C signs. A baby might have MIS-C if they've an ongoing fever and one of many following signs: abdomen ache; bloodshot eyes; diarrhea; feeling dizzy or lightheaded; a rash; and vomiting.

"Remember that not all youngsters could have all the identical signs," the CDC states.

Heather's ordeal began when she got here down with a fever that she could not shake. She later practically died.

Her mother Shannon Oliver advised ABC 7 Heather didn't check constructive for COVID, however her cousin did a couple of weeks in the past. Checks revealed Heather had caught the virus at some stage as she had antibodies for it.

"To see her in a situation like this and to think about a day with out her was the scariest second ever," Oliver stated.

Oliver stated she had difficulties getting her household of seven vaccinated because it was exhausting to get an appointment for all of them and since walk-in slots crammed up. The hospital has since helped the household to get vaccinated and boosted earlier than Heather is discharged from hospital.

Anybody can catch COVID, however youngsters are much less probably than adults to turn into significantly unwell or present signs.

Nonetheless, the CDC recommends everybody 5 years outdated and over get a COVID vaccine as a result of it's nonetheless attainable for kids to get very sick; undergo from brief and long-term issues because of catching the virus; or unfold it to different individuals.

Concerning MIS-C, Meghan Harding, a health care provider on the College of Illinois Hospital intensive care unit who handled Heather, advised ABC 7: "The virus does set off the extreme immune response in a really small variety of youngsters and if they're vaccinated and by no means get the virus, then they don't seem to be in danger for this illness."

Hailey Haugabook, Heather's older sister, advised ABC7: "These items is actually severe out right here and you would actually get damage and you would get actually sick and find yourself someplace you do not wish to find yourself."

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A inventory picture displaying a baby in hospital.7-year-old Heather nearly died after creating a uncommon complication linked to COVID. Getty Photographs