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Epidemiological and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in children during the outbreak of Omicron Variant in Shanghai, March 7-March 31, 2022
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  • Mei Zeng,
  • Xiangshi Wang,
  • Hailing Chang,
  • He Tian,
  • Yanfeng Zhu,
  • Jingjing Li,
  • Zhongqiu Wei,
  • Yixue Wang ,
  • Aimei Xia,
  • Yanling Ge,
  • Gongbao Liu ,
  • Jiehao Cai ,
  • Xiaowen Zhai,
  • Qirong Zhu
Mei Zeng
Children's Hospital of Fudan University

Corresponding Author:zengmeigao@163.com

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Xiangshi Wang
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
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Hailing Chang
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
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He Tian
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
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Yanfeng Zhu
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
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Jingjing Li
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
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Zhongqiu Wei
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
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Yixue Wang
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
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Aimei Xia
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
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Yanling Ge
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
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Gongbao Liu
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
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Jiehao Cai
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
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Xiaowen Zhai
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
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Qirong Zhu
Children's Hospital of Fudan University
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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
16 Jul 2022Submitted to Influenza and other respiratory viruses
18 Jul 2022Submission Checks Completed
18 Jul 2022Assigned to Editor
05 Aug 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
15 Aug 20221st Revision Received
16 Aug 2022Submission Checks Completed
16 Aug 2022Assigned to Editor
20 Aug 2022Editorial Decision: Accept