COVID-19 second wave: Only 0.07% children between 0-18 age group infected in May

According to the latest reports released by the Maharashtra government on Tuesday, June 1, only 0.07 per cent children in the age group of 0-18 years were infected by COVID-19 in May.

In May 2021, about 1,076 patients in the age group of zero to five years that is 1.33 per cent of the total patients were infected by the virus while 1,918 patients in the age group of six to 10 years (2.37 per cent) and 6,422 patients in the age group of 11 to 18 years (7.95 per cent) were infected in the state.

This shows that the rate of infection is not high in children under 18 years of age. In April 2021, about 757 patients in the age group of zero to five years (0.98 per cent) of the total patients were affected by the pandemic. In the case of 6-10 years, 510 patients (1.95 per cent) were detected with the virus and in 11-18 years it was 6.90 per cent.

The state government’s clarification came on a day when the Centre said that there will be no deficiency in the care and infrastructure required for children catching coronavirus. Only 2-3 per cent of children who get infected may need hospitalisation.

COVID-19 in children is often asymptomatic and rarely requires hospitalisation. However, changes in epidemiological dynamics or viral behaviour can change the situation and increased the prevalence of infection, mentioned said VK Paul, Member (Health) Niti Aayog.

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As experts suggested that the third wave, which is expected to arrive in August-September, will likely impact the children and teenagers more. Hence, the state government has already started its preparations to overcome the obstacles faced in the second wave.

The government is working on strengthening infrastructure, health machinery to treat children during the third wave said Public Health Department additional chief secretary Dr Pradeep Vyas. In addition, the government has formed a task force headed by leading paediatrician Dr Suhas Prabhu to decide treatment protocol.

Moreover, the public health department has tracked the data of the last six months and reiterated that there has not been much change in the incidence of coronavirus infection among children from 0-18 age group.

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