An increase in pediatric coronavirus cases in recent weeks has seen the number of illnesses in children exceed 2 million, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). More than 1 million of these cases of coronavirus in children have been reported across the country since November 12, according to data from the medical group.
“Nearly 179,000 new childhood cases of COVID-19 were reported last week, ending on 12/24-20,” said the AAP, in a statement published on Tuesday. “At the moment, it appears that serious illness caused by COVID-19 is rare among children. However, there is an urgent need to collect more data on the long-term impacts of the pandemic on children, including the ways in which the virus can harm children. -term physical health of infected children, as well as their emotional and mental health effects. “
Children now account for approximately 12.4% of all cases in the U.S., according to the data, and as of December 17, at least 172 children have died from the disease. About 1.8% of all COVID-19 hospitalizations involve children, but more detailed data on tests, hospitalizations and morbidity were expected in an upcoming report.
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“The AAP believes that the number of COVID-19 cases reported in children is probably an underestimate because children’s symptoms are generally mild and may not be tested for all illnesses,” said the press release.
Many school districts have chosen to temporarily switch to remote learning schedules after holidays amid concerns about possible spikes due to travel and meetings.
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The spread of coronavirus among children has been a topic of concern for the country, as it faces outbreaks in several regions that have not been observed since the beginning of the pandemic. Health officials have asked schools to remain open for personal learning, arguing that dissemination is not taking place in schools, but in communities in small meetings and by asymptomatic people.
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Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country’s leading infectious disease specialist, as well as United States surgeon general Jerome Adams, spent considerable time last month asking local authorities to “close the bars and keep schools open”
Many school districts have chosen to temporarily switch to remote learning schedules after holidays amid concerns about possible spikes due to travel and meetings. And while it is recommended that teachers and school staff receive the recently approved coronavirus vaccines, research on whether they are safe and effective in children is just beginning.
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Most children who contract the coronavirus have mild symptoms or none at all, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, as with adults, some may become seriously ill and require hospitalization, intensive care or a ventilator to help them breathe. In rare cases, death can occur.
There have also been cases of a rare and serious medical condition associated with COVID-19 in children identified as Multisystemic Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), although the CDC states that it is still unclear what causes the condition, or who is most at risk. risk of developing it.