Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) in an adolescent Nigerian girl with COVID-19: A call for vigilance in Africa

Most reports of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) have come from Europe and North America. The paucity of reports in Africa is in contrast with the demographics of the series in New York, Paris and UK with children of African ancestry accounting for over 40% of all cases of MIS-C. With the global trend of higher prevalence of MIS-C in children of African ancestry, enhanced surveillance and awareness for this syndrome in children with COVID-19 in Africa are therefore important. A case report of a 12-year-old Nigerian girl with MIS-C is presented in line with the WHO global surveillance especially in areas were MIS-C is considered a rarity. This case report stimulates a call for vigilance and expanded effort at surveillance to promote early recognition and diagnosis of MIS-C in Nigeria and Africa. The favourable outcome and experience from this case will create awareness, expand knowledge, and support clinicians in Nigeria and the African continent in their approach to other potential cases. (C) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases.

Automated summary

Most reports of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) have come from Europe and North America, with a paucity of reports in Africa, despite children of African ancestry accounting for over 40% of cases in other regions. Enhanced surveillance and awareness for MIS-C in children with COVID-19 in Africa are crucial due to the higher prevalence in children of African ancestry. A case report of a 12-year-old Nigerian girl with MIS-C highlights the need for vigilance, expanded surveillance efforts, and early recognition and diagnosis in Nigeria and Africa.