Changing Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Children and Adolescents Over Four Successive Epidemic Waves in South Africa, 2020-2022.

ABSTRACT:

Background

South Africa experienced four waves of SARS-CoV-2 infection, dominated by Wuhan-Hu, Beta, Delta, and Omicron (BA.1/BA.2). We describe the trends in SARS-CoV-2 testing, cases, admissions, and deaths among children and adolescents in South Africa over successive waves.

Methods

We analyzed national SARS-CoV-2 testing, case, and admissions data from March 2020 to February 2022 and estimated cumulative rates by age group for each endpoint. The severity in the third versus the fourth wave was assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Individuals ≤18 years comprised 35% (21,008,060/60,142,978) of the population but only 12% (424,394/3,593,644) of cases and 6% (26,176/451,753) of admissions. Among individuals ≤18 years, infants had the highest admis

SUBMITTER: Chiwandire N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10112681 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature