Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome and COVID-19 in children and adolescents: epidemiological aspects, Brazil, 2020-20211

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). The data sources, for 2020-2021, were the Epidemiological Surveillance System for MIS-C and Mortality Information System for COVID-19, both managed by the Ministry of Health. 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.