Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with COVID-19 in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Ng, David Chun-Ern; Tan, Kah Kee; Ling, Chin; Ali, Marlindawati Mohd; Lee, Ming Lee; Mahmood, Fatin Mahirah; Rashid, Mohammad Faid Abd; Rashid, Harlina Abdul; Khoo, Erwin Jiayuan

Objectives We describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with COVID-19 in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia in the setting of mandatory hospital isolation and quarantine for all confirmed cases. Methods A multicentre, retrospective observational study was performed among children aged 12 years and below with laboratory-proven COVID-19 between 1 February to 31 December 2020. Results A total of 261 children were included, 48.7% were males with a median age of 6 years (interquartile range, IQR: 3-10). 151 children (57.9%) were asymptomatic on presentation. Among those symptomatic, fever was the most common presenting symptom. 241 (92.3%) cases were close contacts of infected household or extended family members. 21 (8.4%) had abnormal radiological findings. All cases were discharged alive without requiring supplemental oxygen therapy or any specific treatment throughout hospitalisation. The median duration of hospitalisation was 7 days (IQR 6-10 days). One (2.1%) of the uninfected guardians accompanying the child in quarantine was tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 upon discharge. Conclusions COVID-19 in children was associated with mild symptoms and a good prognosis. Familial clustering was an important epidemiologic feature in the outbreak in Negeri Sembilan. Transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 from children to guardians in hospital isolation was minimal despite close proximity.