Apnea in a Two-Week-Old Infant Infected with SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza B

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Limited data exists on the clinical presentation and outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in infants.
• Coinfection with severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza B is infrequently reported in neonates.
• Neonatal apnea is a known, though rare, presenting symptom in infants with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Observation:

• A 2-week-old, otherwise healthy, full-term infant presented with apnea.
• Diagnostic evaluation revealed coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B.
• The infant experienced a mild clinical course.

Findings:

• This case highlights a rare instance of neonatal coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B.
• Apnea, a rare symptom, was the primary presenting complaint.
• The infant demonstrated a favorable outcome with complete recovery.

Implications:

• This case contributes to the limited understanding of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza B coinfection in neonates.
• It underscores the importance of considering coinfections in infants presenting with respiratory symptoms like apnea.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the clinical spectrum and management of such coinfections in this vulnerable population.