About 10% of people hospitalized in Tsuwane, South Africa, the epicenter of the new variant of the new coronavirus, Omicron, are children under the age of two. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NICD) in South Africa has revealed.
In South Africa, which is in the fourth wave of infection, hospitalization of children has increased from the initial stage, but the same tendency was seen in the third wave, which was centered on Delta strains, said NICD public health expert Washira. Mr Jasato pointed out.
South African scientists first identified the Omicron strain last week. Symptoms are said to be mild, but the actual risk is still unknown. Governments have issued travel restrictions, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the emergence of Omicron strains could lead to a rapid spread of infection with “significant consequences.”
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“Infants are at greater risk because their immune system is immature and unvaccinated,” said Jasato, who was involved in the development and management of a corona surveillance system in a domestic hospital in South Africa. The high hospitalization rate may also be due in part to parents becoming more cautious with the emergence of new mutants.
Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (November 29)
Scientists in the country pointed out on the 29th that existing vaccines are likely to be effective in preventing aggravation. However, infants have not been vaccinated yet. About one-third of the population has been fully vaccinated in the country.
During the third wave of Delta stocks, hospitalizations under the age of 19 increased by 43%. The country has since expanded its vaccination coverage to ages 12-17.
“In the early stages of the current wave, the proportion of children in hospitals seems to be higher than in the past,” Jasato said.
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Original title:Toddlers Make Up 10% of Hospital Cases in Omicron Epicenter（抜粋）
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