Pediatr Infect Vaccine.  2024 Apr;31(1):94-101. 10.14776/piv.2024.31.e11.

Epidemiology of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Infants and Toddlers, Seoul, South Korea

• Sim J
• Son E
• Choe YJ

• KMID: 2555430
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14776/piv.2024.31.e11

Abstract

Purpose
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed a significant burden to infant and toddler’s care globally, while the disease severity is generally mild in this age group. In this study, we aimed to assess epidemiological and clinical aspects of COVID-19 in infants and toddlers in Seoul, South Korea.
Methods
We used Seoul Metropolitan Government’s epidemiological investigation database to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in infants and toddlers, between March 2020 to December 2021.
Results
A total of 5,025 infants and toddlers aged <5 years was diagnosed between the observed period. 2,720 (54.1%) had symptoms, and fever was the most common symptom in 1,941 (74.1%). Of the diagnosed cases, 96.4% did not have underlying diseases. In a district level, extended opening of childcare facility was associated with increased risk of COVID-19 in infants and toddlers.
Conclusions
An efficient monitoring system, resembling routine clinical care, is crucial, considering the low rates of severe progression and fatality among infants and toddlers. Moreover, a well-grounded intervention based on scientific evidence, rather than unconditional closures, is necessary to establish a suitable childcare policy that ensures safety from infectious diseases while not overlooking the developmental aspects of social skills.

Keyword

COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Infant; Epidemiology