J Korean Med Sci.  2020 Mar;35(11):e124. 10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e124.

First Pediatric Case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Korea

• Park JY
• Han MS
• Park KU
• Kim JY
• Choi EH

• KMID: 2471795
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e124

Abstract

The large outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that started in Wuhan, China has now spread to many countries worldwide. Current epidemiologic knowledge suggests that relatively few cases are seen among children, which limits opportunities to address pediatric specific issues on infection control and the children's contribution to viral spread in the community. Here, we report the first pediatric case of COVID-19 in Korea. The 10-year-old girl was a close contact of her uncle and her mother who were confirmed to have COVID-19. In this report, we present mild clinical course of her pneumonia that did not require antiviral treatment and serial viral test results from multiple specimens. Lastly, we raise concerns on the optimal strategy of self-quarantine and patient care in a negative isolation room for children.

Keyword

Coronavirus; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Children

MeSH Terms

Child
China
Coronavirus*
Female
Humans
Infection Control
Korea*
Mothers
Patient Care
Pneumonia