Tracking the COVID-19 Infections in Children

With reports internationally of an increase in COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths among children, naturally, in Jamaica, there has been growing concern about how the youth have fared health-wise as a result of the appearance of the delta variant. Currently, 38,000 children have taken the second dose of the vaccine.

Recently the Ministry of Health and Wellness revealed that there have been 11 COVID-19 related deaths on the island out of a total of around 10,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in children. However, Director of Family Health Services in the Ministry of Health And Wellness, Dr. Melody Ennis, suggests the protocols for children with COVID-19 are robust. She noted that children may develop a rash, while some may experience vomiting. She also cautioned that this can result in dehydration, so persons must be mindful of this. Dr. Ennnis noted that out of an abundance of caution children are usually observed for 24 hours before release.

While the treatment of COVID-19 infections in children has been established, less is known about the longer-term effects of the virus in the young, particularly those who contracted COVID-19 during infancy. Dr. Ennis says existing healthcare structures are well suited to track adverse effects over time.

More in this CVM Live story from Joel Crosskill: