biostudies-literatureKufa TMedical Research CouncilNational Department of Health, Republic of South AfricaNational Department of Health34-47https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9664941biostudies-literatureUnknown16(1)<h4>Introduction</h4>We describe epidemiology and outcomes of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and positive admissions among children <18 years in South Africa, an upper-middle income setting with high inequality.<h4>Methods</h4>Laboratory and hospital COVID-19 surveillance data, 28 January - 19 September 2020 was used. Testing rates were calculated as number of tested for SARS-CoV-2 divided by population at risk; test positivity rates were calculated as positive tests divided by total number of tests. In-hospital case fatality ratio (CFR) was calculated based on hospitalized positive admissions with outcome data who died in-hospital and whose death was judged SARS-CoV-2 related by attending physician.<h4>Findings</h4>315 570 children aged <18 years were tested for SARS-CoV-2; representing 8Influenza and other respiratory virusesEpidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and SARS-CoV-2 positive hospital admissions among children in South Africa.PMC9664941MR/V028782/1Shuping LMathema HManana PNDangor ZBapela PVerwey CMadhi SABlumberg LShonhiwa AMHunt Gvon Gottburg ANtshoe GMaruma WWalaza SKufa TEbonwu JZar HJSaloojee HTempia SWolter NMasha MJassat WNdhlovu NGovender NPModise MCohen CMoore DfalseEpidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and SARS-CoV-2 positive hospital admissions among children in South Africa.<h4>Introduction</h4>We describe epidemiology and outcomes of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and positive admissions among children <18 years in South Africa, an upper-middle income setting with high inequality.<h4>Methods</h4>Laboratory and hospital COVID-19 surveillance data, 28 January - 19 September 2020 was used. Testing rates were calculated as number of tested for SARS-CoV-2 divided by population at risk; test positivity rates were calculated as positive tests divided by total number of tests. In-hospital case fatality ratio (CFR) was calculated based on hospitalized positive admissions with outcome data who died in-hospital and whose death was judged SARS-CoV-2 related by attending physician.<h4>Findings</h4>315 570 children aged <18 years were tested for SARS-CoV-2; representing 82022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Jan2025-04-05T15:42:15.295Z2025-04-05T15:42:15.295ZS-EPMC96649413479667410.1111/irv.12916