Alexander Winning, Tim Cocks

JOHANNESBURG, (Reuters) – Data collected from a region in South Africa that has been severely affected by Omicron coronavirus variants have shown a large number of hospitalizations for infants younger than 2 years. This raises concerns about the possibility of health risks to children as young as two.

South African scientists say they are unable to confirm the link between Omicron intakes and Omicron, but that could also be because of other factors. This is the information we have on this issue.

What CAUSES CONCERN

South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases released data showing that 52 children under two years of age were among 452 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to Tshwane – the urban area that encompasses the capital Pretoria – between Nov. 14-28. This is a significantly higher rate than for any other age.

However, due to the larger populations in the different age groups, people older than 60 were at greater risk.

HAS OMICRON BEEN LINKED TO THE ADMISSIONS?

No. Because of limited resources, only a few positive South African test samples are being sent for genetic sequencing. This is to determine if the variant has been detected. Scientists at NICD have stated that this means that we can’t know for certain whether infants admitted to hospital had Omicron.

Scientists say there are uncertainties about whether the COVID-19 virus is present in all infants. However, not everyone has been tested.

Infants suffering respiratory problems are considered COVID-19-positive. But, it is possible that they might be suffering from flu or another condition.

HOW SICK WERE THE ADMITTED INFANTS?

Data shows that 29% (of COVID-19 patients aged 0-4) had severe diseases. This is comparable to other age groups and lower than that of those over 60.

According to data, only 1% of all admissions were for children under 4 years old. The total admissions for this group were 70. It is not clear what that 1% number represents.

Reuters contacted the NICD for information about these and other aspects of data. They said they would publish a new report this week regarding paediatric admissions.

SHOULD A POTENTIAL OMICRON-LINK VERBAL OWNERS BE CONFUSED?

When asked if people should be concerned by the high number of infant admissions, Anne von Gottberg (clinical microbiologist, NICD) replied: “Not yet.”

She said that some admissions may have been made before Omicron was created. We are worried enough to be looking very closely at this data, but I am not sure that it can be linked with Omicron at the moment.

What ELSE CAN BE DONE?

Tshwane, located in Gauteng province, saw an increase of flu cases during the month.

We need to pay attention to other diseases and infections that could have caused the admission of children. Did they have to be tested before being admitted, or were they just being checked? said von Gottberg.

NICD scientists found that patients with older age were more inclined to be rushed to hospitals by parents of sick infants or babies.

WHERE CAN WE LEARN MORE?

The NICD stated that it was preparing a report about paediatric admissions, which will be made available before the end of this week.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization stated that Omicron’s transmissibility would be available within days. Scientists however said that Omicron could require up to four weeks before they can learn more.