South African experts expressed concern about the increasing number of young children infected with Covid-19, although the country recorded 16,055 infections and 25 deaths overnight on Friday.

“In the past, we have always seen children not severely affected by the Covid epidemic (and) not many (to the hospital) are admitted. In the third wave, we see more children under 5 and adolescents between 15 and 19 years old Admitted to the hospital.

Dr. Waasila Jassat of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NICD) was presented by the Department of Health on Friday.

“As expected, the incidence of children is still the lowest. However, the incidence of children under five years of age is now the second highest, second only to the incidence of children over 60 years of age.

Jassat added: “What we are seeing now is a different trend from the past that the hospitalization rate of children under five years old is particularly increasing.” Dr. Michelle Groome, also from the NICD, said that more research will be conducted to investigate the reasons behind this phenomenon. reason.

“It is still in the early stages of the wave. At this stage, it has just started in the younger age group, and we will (by) monitoring this age group to learn more in the coming weeks.

“We just need to emphasize the importance of surge preparation, including pediatric beds and staff,” Grum said.

Dr. Ntsakisi Maluleke, an official from the Health Department of Gauteng Province, also expressed concern that the province has been the hardest hit, with 80% of the daily infections.

“We are currently investigating the increase in infections among young people and pregnant women,” Maluleke said. The infection has increased,” she added.

Health Minister Joe Fahra said at the briefing that the infection rate and positive rate in seven of the nine provinces in South Africa are rising.

“Currently, only the Free State and the Northern Cape have a low number and positive rate. Even with them, we are not talking about 1% to 2%, but a positive rate between 3% and 5%,” He said.

“Although we are still processing a few days and limited data, there are signs that this variant is indeed highly contagious, including infections in people who have been vaccinated, but these infections mainly cause mild illness, especially for those who have been vaccinated. People,” the minister said.

Phaahla said that those admitted to the hospital are mainly those who have not been vaccinated and young people under the age of 40, most of whom have not been vaccinated.

News Source : Hindustan Times