Pediatr Infect Vaccine.  2015 Dec;22(3):143-146. 10.14776/piv.2015.22.3.143.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection in Children

• Lee H
• Han MS

• KMID: 2315678
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14776/piv.2015.22.3.143

Abstract

Since 2012, outbreaks of the Middle East respiratory coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been reported, including the Republic of Korea. To date, most of the people infected with the virus are adults. Herein we describe the clinical characteristics of cases of MERS-CoV infection among children. As of October 29, 2015, MERS-CoV has caused 34 pediatric infections, which accounts for 2.1% of all cases. The median age was 13 years (range 9 months to 17 years) and where gender has been reported (n=33), 57.6% cases were male. About half of the patients were asymptomatic and the majority of the symptomatic patients had respiratory symptoms. In general, the clinical outcome in children was favorable. Among the four patients who died of progressive pneumonia, three had documented comorbidities. MERS-CoV infection in children has a lower incidence and mortality compared to adults.

Keyword

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus; MERS-CoV; Korea; Outbreak; Children

MeSH Terms

Adult
Child*
Comorbidity
Coronavirus Infections*
Coronavirus*
Disease Outbreaks
Humans
Incidence
Korea
Male
Middle East*
Mortality
Pneumonia
Republic of Korea

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