High frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children admitted to academic hospitals in central South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2025.v115i3.2969Keywords:
SARS-CoV-2, Omicron variant, Antibodies , Children, admission diagnosisAbstract
Background. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Omicron variant was highly infectious in children, and resulted in high hospital admission rates in this population compared with other SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.
Objective. To investigate the prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in children during the Omicron variant wave in Free State Province, South Africa (SA).
Methods. This prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted from August 2022 to April 2023 in the Free State, SA. A total of 320 children admitted at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital and Universitas Academic Hospital between the ages of 0 and 12 years were recruited. All participants were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 using the nucleocapsid antibody rapid test. Parent and caregiver vaccination history was also collected.
Results. In our study, 46.8% of the children tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. The highest (60%) infection rate was observed in neonates. Children were admitted for various reasons, and none were screened for suspected SARS‐CoV‐2 on admission. Of the infected population, 28% were premature, 12.6% had gastrointestinal tract infections, 12% had respiratory conditions and 10% had central nervous system conditions. A total of 43.3% of the infected children were from vaccinated parents or caregivers.
Conclusion. Our study showed that a high number of hospitalised children tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 while admitted for conditions unrelated to COVID‐19. Most, if not all, children did not exhibit COVID‐19‐specific symptoms, and this may be due to the Omicron variant, which was highly infectious but less virulent, and was associated with mild disease.
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