The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused widespread mortality 
and morbidity. Though children are largely spared from severe illness, a novel 
childhood hyperinflammatory syndrome presumed to be associated with and 
subsequent to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) 
infection has emerged with potentially severe outcomes. Multisystem inflammatory 
disorder in children (MIS-C) most commonly affects young, school-aged children 
and is characterized by persistent fever, systemic hyperinflammation, and 
multisystem organ dysfunction. While uncommon and generally treatable, MIS-C 
presents potentially life-altering medical sequelae, complicated by a dearth of 
information regarding its etiology, pathophysiology, and long-term outcomes. The 
severity of MIS-C may warrant the need for increased awareness and continued 
COVID-19 mitigation efforts, particularly until potential factors conferring a 
predisposition to MIS-C can be clarified through additional research. 
Well-informed guidelines will be critical as the school year progresses. In this 
article, current knowledge on MIS-C is reviewed and the potential implications 
of this novel syndrome are discussed from a public health perspective.