Educational Setting and SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Among Children With Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome: A French...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a severe complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric populations.
• School closures were implemented globally to curb SARS-CoV-2 spread, but their impact on MIS-C incidence is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role of educational settings in SARS-CoV-2 transmission among children diagnosed with MIS-C.
• To determine the primary sources of SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to MIS-C in children.

Main Methods:

• A French national prospective surveillance study of MIS-C was conducted from April 2020 to March 2021.
• All children meeting the WHO definition for MIS-C were included, and SARS-CoV-2 transmission sources were traced.
• The proportion of MIS-C cases with educational setting-related infections during school opening periods was the primary outcome.

Main Results:

• 142 children with MIS-C were identified; 104 cases occurred during school opening periods.
• The majority of infections during school opening (60%) were linked to household contacts, with only 5% attributed to educational settings.
• Household transmission remained the predominant source (66%) even during school closure periods.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 transmission leading to MIS-C in children predominantly occurs within the family environment.
• Educational settings play a minimal role in the transmission chains resulting in MIS-C.
• Reducing school attendance may not substantially decrease the overall incidence of MIS-C in children.