The risk of death from COVID-19 related illnesses among children with comorbidities remains relatively low despite recent reports of an increase of cases at schools in KwaZulu-Natal. That’s according to specialist pediatrician, Dr Doshen Naidoo.
Since February this year, the Pietermaritzburg-based doctor has treated more than 150 children with COVID-19. Dr Naidoo says five of the children were treated in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and one succumbed to the virus.
“Asthma is sort of a controversial comorbidity because we know that coronavirus affects the lungs. Technically COVID-19 doesn’t affect the asthma pathology but it is listed as comorbidity. Commonly getting ill are children with cerebral palsy who have chronically swallowing difficulties, chest problems, they have a severer outcome from COVID-19 because their lungs are always diseased and inflamed so in terms of the comorbidity yes we are seeing a higher number of children who are testing positive who are either mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic,” says Dr. Naidoo.
FILE VIDEO: Unpacking the impact of COVID-19 on children as SA prepares for the phased reopening of schools
The post Risk of death from COVID-19-related illnesses among children with comorbidities remains low: KZN doctor appeared first on SABC News – Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa’s news leader..
Read more here:: Latest South Africa News
