Characterization of children diagnosed with COVID-19 in a province in the northern sierra of Peru

Abstract

Introduction: Children population has low morbidity and mortality by COVID-19; however, children infected with SARS-CoV-2 are on the rise and may need to be characterized according to their various presentation variables.

Objective: Examine the social, clinical characteristics, epidemiological conditions and clinical picture of children diagnosed with COVID-19.

Methods: Retrospective descriptive study, with a sample of 88 children under 12 years old. The database of the hospital´s epidemiology office authorized for the registration of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Chota province, Peru, was reviewed. Authorization was obtained from the institution's management to use the data exclusively for research purposes. The analysis period was from April 14, 2020 (zero case in the province) to January 28, 2021.

Results: In the sample 51.1% were women, the average age was 5.6 years; 10.2% were hospitalized, 83% were put in isolation, and 98.9% had a satisfactory recovery. The main manifestations in children were: cough, 26.1%; fever, 23.9% and headache, 19.3%. Epidemiological conditions detected were: 1.4% traveled in the last two weeks; 47.7% had intradomyciliary contagion, and 67% were asymptomatic. No children were reported deceased, intubated, ventilated or with pneumonia.

Conclusions: Children are just as susceptible to COVID-19 as other people; they have less severe clinical pictures that occur mainly with cough, fever, headache and general discomfort; they show a more favorable evolution and high prevalence of asymptomatic and intradomyciliary contagions.