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Published on: November 10, 2023
First Pediatric Case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Korea
Ji Young Park1, Mi Seon Han2, Kyoung Un Park3
1Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.
Insights
The first pediatric case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Korea involved a 10-year-old girl with mild pneumonia. This case highlights the need for specific pediatric infection control strategies and quarantine guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised concerns about its impact on all age groups.
- Limited data exists on pediatric COVID-19 cases, hindering understanding of disease transmission and management in children.
- Children may play a role in community viral spread, necessitating specific infection control measures.
Observation:
- This report details the first confirmed pediatric case of COVID-19 in Korea.
- The patient was a 10-year-old girl with a history of close contact with confirmed adult cases (mother and uncle).
Findings:
- The child presented with mild pneumonia, not requiring antiviral therapy.
- Serial viral testing from multiple specimens was conducted, providing valuable data on viral shedding.
- The clinical course was characterized by mild symptoms and recovery.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering pediatric involvement in COVID-19 outbreaks.
- Optimal strategies for self-quarantine and patient care in negative isolation rooms for children require further investigation.
- Understanding pediatric COVID-19 is crucial for comprehensive public health strategies and infection control measures.
Abstract:
The large outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that started in Wuhan, China has now spread to many countries worldwide. Current epidemiologic knowledge suggests that relatively few cases are seen among children, which limits opportunities to address pediatric specific issues on infection control and the children's contribution to viral spread in the community. Here, we report the first pediatric case of COVID-19 in Korea. The 10-year-old girl was a close contact of her uncle and her mother who were confirmed to have COVID-19. In this report, we present mild clinical course of her pneumonia that did not require antiviral treatment and serial viral test results from multiple specimens. Lastly, we raise concerns on the optimal strategy of self-quarantine and patient care in a negative isolation room for children.
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