Epidemiological and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in
children during the outbreak of Omicron Variant in Shanghai, March
7-March 31, 2022
Abstract
Objectives: To understand the epidemiological and clinical
characteristics of pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infection during the early stage
of Omicron variant outbreak in Shanghai. Study designs: This study
included local COVID-19 cases<18 years in Shanghai referred to
the exclusively designated hospital by the end of March 2022 since
emergence of Omicron epidemic. Clinical data, epidemiological exposure
and COVID-19 vaccination status were collected. Relative risks (RR) were
calculated to assess the effect of vaccination on symptomatic infection
and febrile disease. Results: A total of 376 pediatric cases of COVID-19
(median age:6.0±4.2 years) were referred to the designated hospital
during the period of March 7-31, including 257 (68.4%) symptomatic
cases and 119 (31.6%) asymptomatic cases. Of the 307 (81.6%) children
≥3 years eligible for COVID-19 vaccination, 110 (40.4%) received 2-dose
vaccines and 16 (4.0%) received 1-dose vaccine. The median interval
between 2-dose vaccination and infection was 3.5 (IQR: 3, 4.5) months
(16 days-7 months). Two-dose COVID-19 vaccination reduced the risks of
symptomatic infection and febrile disease by 35%(RR 0.65, 95% CI:
0.53-0.79) and 33% (RR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.51-0.81). Two hundred and
sixteen (83.4%) symptomatic cases had fever (mean duration:1.7±1.0.8
days), 104 (40.2%) had cough, 16.4% had transient leukopenia; 307
(81.6%) had an epidemiological exposure in household (69.1%) , school
(21.8%) and residential area (8.8%). Conclusion: The surge of
pediatric COVID-19 cases and multiple transmission model reflect wide
dissemination of Omicron variant in the community. Asymptomatic
infection is common among Omicron-infected children. COVID-19
vaccination can offer some protection against symptomatic infection and
febrile dise