COVID-19: Four Paediatric Cases in Malaysia

K C See1, S M Liew2, David C E Ng3

  • 1Department of Paediatric, Hospital Sungai Buloh, Ministry of Health, Malaysia.

Insights

Four pediatric COVID-19 cases in Malaysia presented with mild symptoms, highlighting challenges in child quarantine and testing accuracy. Clearer guidelines are needed for managing pediatric coronavirus disease 2019.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread globally.
  • Pediatric cases of COVID-19 are less common, necessitating specific reporting.
  • Understanding COVID-19 in children is crucial for disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report on pediatric cases of COVID-19 in Malaysia.
  • To highlight challenges in managing COVID-19 in children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of four pediatric COVID-19 cases in Malaysia (up to February 2020).
  • Cases involved children aged 20 months to 11 years, likely infected in China.
  • Clinical presentation and management were documented.

Main Results:

  • All four pediatric cases exhibited no symptoms or mild flu-like illness.
  • Symptomatic management was provided; no antiviral therapy was required.
  • Two key issues identified: ethical dilemma in quarantining infected children with negative-testing parents and risk of false-negative swab results.

Conclusions:

  • Ethical considerations for quarantine policies in pediatric COVID-19 cases require attention.
  • Diagnostic challenges, including false-negative results from oropharyngeal and nasal swabs in children, need addressing.
  • Development of clearer guidelines for pediatric quarantine and testing is essential for effective infection control in COVID-19 management.
Abstract

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