Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome and COVID-19 in children and adolescents: epidemiological aspects, Brazil, 2020-2021

Abstract

This study describes epidemiological aspects of the Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome in Children  (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 and mortality by  COVID-19 in children (0-9 years old) and adolescents  (10-19 years old). There were  1,503 cases, more frequent in children (77%) than in  adolescents (23%), and 93 reported deaths due to  MIS-C in 26 of the 27 States of the Country. The  highest number of cases in children was reported in  São Paulo (268), but the highest incidence took place  in the Federal District (7.8 per 100,000 inhabitants).  The rate of deaths due to MIS-C was 5.4% in children  and 8.7% in adolescents. There were 2,329 deaths due to COVID-19 in the population under 20 years  old,  with a higher rate in adolescents (4.4 per 100,000  inhabitants) than in children (2.7); the highest rate  occurred in Roraima. We recommend intensifying  immunization against COVID-19 in such population,  increasing protection against the negative effects of  COVID-19 and MIS-C, which may have short, medium  and/or long-term consequences, so as not to compromise the full integration of these citizens into  society.