Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025

Author Spotlight: Simulating Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Using a Neonatal Piglet Model
Published on: May 26, 2023
Pediatric Deaths Associated With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Korea
Eunjeong Shin1, Young June Choe2, Boyeong Ryu1
1Data Analysis Team, Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Task Force, Central Disease Control Headquarters, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Korea.
Insights
In Korea, over 5.3 million child COVID-19 cases were reported by September 2022, with 46 deaths. Most child fatalities occurred early after diagnosis, highlighting the need for accessible medical care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted global populations, including children.
- Understanding pediatric COVID-19 mortality patterns is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 associated deaths in children in Korea.
- To identify risk factors and timing of death in pediatric COVID-19 cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of reported COVID-19 cases and deaths in children (≤ 18 years) in Korea up to September 3, 2022.
- Examination of demographic data, underlying conditions, immunization status, and time from diagnosis to death for fatal cases.
Main Results:
- A total of 5,388,338 COVID-19 cases and 46 deaths were reported in children. The case fatality rate was 0.85 per 100,000.
- Among the 46 deaths, the median age was 7 years, and 58.7% were male. Underlying diseases were present in 47.8%, with neurologic diseases being most common.
- Deaths often occurred rapidly after diagnosis (median 2 days), with a significant proportion occurring before or upon hospital arrival. Myocarditis and respiratory failure were common documented causes.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 associated deaths in children can occur very early after diagnosis.
- The findings underscore the critical need for accessible and timely medical interventions for pediatric COVID-19 patients.
- Public health policies must prioritize ensuring prompt access to healthcare for children during pandemics.
Abstract:
As of September 3, 2022, 5,388,338 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and 46 deaths (3 in 2021 and 43 in 2022) were reported in children ≤ 18 years in Korea. Cumulative confirmed cases accounted for 67.3% of the population aged ≤ 18 years and case fatality rate was 0.85/100,000. Among 46 fatal cases, 58.7% were male and median age was 7 years. Underlying diseases were present in 47.8%; neurologic diseases (63.6%) and malignancy (13.6%) most common. Only four had history of COVID-19 immunization. COVID-19 associated deaths occurred at median 2 days from diagnosis (range: -1 to 21). Among COVID-19 deaths, 41.3% occurred before admission; 2 before hospital arrival and 17 in the emergency department. Among children whose cause was documented, myocarditis, respiratory and multiorgan failure were most common. COVID-19 associated death was seen early after diagnosis in children and public health policies to provide access to medical care for children with COVID-19 are essential during the pandemic.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Acute Respiratory Failure-I
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:20Health Hazards of Air Pollution

