7,991 kids below 12 test +ve, but only 3 fatalities recorded

A total of 7,991 children below the age of 12 years have been infected with COVID-19 in TN so far, of whom, 5,629 cases were reported in the past one month alone. However, doctors said that fatalities in children can be prevented easily and so far only three deaths have been reported.

COVID-19, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, doctors, adult transmission

According to Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine officials, even newborns are being tested to prevent fatalities. Officials said that newborns of pregnant women who tested positive were also tested and around 400 turned out positive. “Cases among children have increased in the past one month. Most are asymptomatic and have caught the infection from parents or relatives. However, fatalities have been prevented at the hospital due to intensified testing. Pregnant women coming for check-ups are also tested,” said Dr Mohan Kumar, paediatrician, Institute of Child Health.

Doctors say that management of cases among children has been easier but the spike has been challenging. “The requests for beds in our hospital has been increasing for the past one month. We admit only those infected and because of exclusive treatment, demand has been higher. Cases are asymptomatic but some born with cardiac issues and respiratory problems turn critical,” said a doctor from Kanchi Kamakoti Child Trust Hospital.

Dr Srinivasan, State Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit Coordinator said there have been no cases of child to adult transmission so far, but keeping kids away from parents has been a challenge. “It is difficult to ensure that children eat on time and follow instructions. So we now keep mothers who have tested positive and their kids away from parents. We have treated over 300 children at ICH alone,” said Dr Srinivasan.