A US medical panel on Wednesday recommended coronavirus vaccine to be administered to&nbsp;children aged under five.

The expert team was convened by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Pfizer had sought authorization for three doses of three micrograms to be given to kids aged six months to four years, while Moderna had asked for authorisation for two doses of higher 25 micrograms for children between six months to five years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-says-the-covid-pill-is-not-beneficial-for-standard-risk-patients-488371">Also Read:&nbsp;Pfizer says the Covid pill is not beneficial for standard-risk patients</a>

The FDA cautioned against the high rate of hospitalisations for infants during the Omicron wave while informing that 480 deaths had occurred among toddlers aged between 0-4 during the pandemic.&nbsp;

The authorisation for the vaccine is expected soon with reports indicating the first shots may be due from next week. The FDA said both vaccines were safe and effective.

Watch:&nbsp;US approves Pfizer booster shots

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The White House had said the government was targeting June 21 as the start date to vaccinate kids under 5 with Moderna and Pfizer.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of shots for kids. The US government had allowed vaccination for children aged 5-11 in October last year, however, reports claim only 29 per cent of kids in the age group have been vaccinated.

The US has fully vaccinated 76 per cent of adults with 90 per cent having received both doses. Moderna had reportedly tested its vaccine on 6,000 children and Pfizer claimed it had tested nearly 4,000 kids during the trials.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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A US medical panel on Wednesday recommended coronavirus vaccine to be administered to children aged under five. The expert team was convened by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A US medical panel on Wednesday recommended coronavirus vaccine to be administered to children aged under five. The expert team was convened by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Pfizer had sought authorization for three doses of three micrograms to be given to kids aged six months to four years, while Moderna had asked for authorisation for two doses of higher 25 micrograms for children between six months to five years. Also Read: Pfizer says the Covid pill is not beneficial for standard-risk patients The FDA cautioned against the high rate of hospitalisations for infants during the Omicron wave while informing that 480 deaths had occurred among toddlers aged between 0-4 during the pandemic. The authorisation for the vaccine is expected soon with reports indicating the first shots may be due from next week. The FDA said both vaccines were safe and effective. Watch: US approves Pfizer booster shots The White House had said the government was targeting June 21 as the start date to vaccinate kids under 5 with Moderna and Pfizer. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of shots for kids. The US government had allowed vaccination for children aged 5-11 in October last year, however, reports claim only 29 per cent of kids in the age group have been vaccinated. The US has fully vaccinated 76 per cent of adults with 90 per cent having received both doses. Moderna had reportedly tested its vaccine on 6,000 children and Pfizer claimed it had tested nearly 4,000 kids during the trials. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US FDA panel recommends Pfizer, Moderna shots for babies & young kids

Weekly child Covid-19 cases in the US have dropped below 100,000 for the first time since August 2021, according to the latest report of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association. 
 
For the week ending March 3, almost 69,000 additional child Covid-19 cases were reported across the country, Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/for-the-first-time-since-2008-gas-prices-in-us-surpassed-4-per-gallon-460170">For the first time since 2008, gas prices in US surpassed $4 per gallon</a> 
 
This marked the first time weekly child cases had dropped below 100,000 since August last year, said the report. 
 
It was also the sixth consecutive weekly decrease of child Covid-19 cases from the pandemic peak of 1,150,000 added the week ending January 20, according to the report. 
 
Reported Covid-19 cases among children spiked dramatically in 2022 during the Omicron variant surge, and over 4.8 million child cases were reported since the beginning of January.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/people-with-heart-defects-may-be-at-higher-risk-for-severe-covid-study-459937">People with heart defects may be at higher risk for severe Covid: Study</a> 
 
Over 12.7 million children have tested positive for Covid-19 since the onset of the pandemic in the country in early 2020. 
 
Almost 670,000 of these cases were added in the past four weeks, according to the report.

Watch |&nbsp;NYC lifts COVID mandates: Masks made optional for schools with the reduction of cases in US

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Since the first week of September 2021, there have been nearly 7.7 million additional child cases in the US, according to the report. 
 
As of Tuesday, the US continued to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of Covid cases and deaths at 79,339,202 and 960,310.

&nbsp;

Weekly child Covid-19 cases in the US have dropped below 100,000 for the first time since August 2021, according to the latest report of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association.

Weekly child Covid-19 cases in the US have dropped below 100,000 for the first time since August 2021, according to the latest report of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association. For the week ending March 3, almost 69,000 additional child Covid-19 cases were reported across the country, Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying on Monday. Also read | For the first time since 2008, gas prices in US surpassed $4 per gallon This marked the first time weekly child cases had dropped below 100,000 since August last year, said the report. It was also the sixth consecutive weekly decrease of child Covid-19 cases from the pandemic peak of 1,150,000 added the week ending January 20, according to the report. Reported Covid-19 cases among children spiked dramatically in 2022 during the Omicron variant surge, and over 4.8 million child cases were reported since the beginning of January. Also read | People with heart defects may be at higher risk for severe Covid: Study Over 12.7 million children have tested positive for Covid-19 since the onset of the pandemic in the country in early 2020. Almost 670,000 of these cases were added in the past four weeks, according to the report. Watch | NYC lifts COVID mandates: Masks made optional for schools with the reduction of cases in US Since the first week of September 2021, there have been nearly 7.7 million additional child cases in the US, according to the report. As of Tuesday, the US continued to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of Covid cases and deaths at 79,339,202 and 960,310.

COVID-19: Weekly child cases in US drop below 100k for first time

As the White House struggles to control the increasing spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus in the US, New York has reported an alarming increase in hospitalisation of children.<o:p></o:p>

New York State Department of Health has issued a warning regarding "an upward trend in pediatric hospitalizations associated with COVID-19".

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-alpha-variant-has-learnt-how-to-evade-innate-immune-system-research-440242">Covid's Alpha variant has learnt how to evade innate immune system: Research</a></o:p>

The US has been observing a rapid increase in Covid cases due to the new variant, Omicron, which is dubbed to be one of the most transmissible variants of coronavirus. The country has been recording nearly 190,000 new infections on a daily basis in the past week, as per the data provided by Johns Hopkins University.<o:p></o:p>

Omicron variant’s arrival coincided with the popular holiday season during which families travelled to meet friends and family, and Christmas parties were help. <o:p></o:p>

Due to the increased travel and social interactions in the country, and the new variant, New York City "identified four-fold increases in COVID-19 hospital admissions for children 18 and under beginning the week of December 5 through the current week".

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/poll-reveals-62-of-unvaccinated-americans-intend-to-not-receive-covid-19-vaccine-440252">WATCH |</a>&nbsp;Gravitas: Kids sick with Covid are filling up hospitals in America</o:p>

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The holiday season also increased the demand for Covid tests leading to a short supply. US pandemic expert and White House advisor, Anthony Fauci, also acknowledged the shortage of Covid tests. "One of the problems is that that's not going to be totally available to everyone until we get to January and there are still some issues now of people having trouble getting tested," Fauci told ABC News. "But we're addressing the testing problem."

This increase has coincided with the shortage in the supply of American blood banks. Some American organisations have claimed that the blood banks have very limited supply and it is constantly decreasing. “We simply like to keep three days of inventory,” Chris Hrouda, president of biomedical services at the American Red Cross, said in a local interview. “We’re struggling to keep one day.”&nbsp;

As the White House struggles to control the increasing spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus in the US, New York has reported an alarming increase in hospitalisation of children.

As the White House struggles to control the increasing spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus in the US, New York has reported an alarming increase in hospitalisation of children. New York State Department of Health has issued a warning regarding "an upward trend in pediatric hospitalizations associated with COVID-19". Also read | Covid's Alpha variant has learnt how to evade innate immune system: Research The US has been observing a rapid increase in Covid cases due to the new variant, Omicron, which is dubbed to be one of the most transmissible variants of coronavirus. The country has been recording nearly 190,000 new infections on a daily basis in the past week, as per the data provided by Johns Hopkins University. Omicron variant’s arrival coincided with the popular holiday season during which families travelled to meet friends and family, and Christmas parties were help. Due to the increased travel and social interactions in the country, and the new variant, New York City "identified four-fold increases in COVID-19 hospital admissions for children 18 and under beginning the week of December 5 through the current week". WATCH | Gravitas: Kids sick with Covid are filling up hospitals in America The holiday season also increased the demand for Covid tests leading to a short supply. US pandemic expert and White House advisor, Anthony Fauci, also acknowledged the shortage of Covid tests. "One of the problems is that that's not going to be totally available to everyone until we get to January and there are still some issues now of people having trouble getting tested," Fauci told ABC News. "But we're addressing the testing problem." This increase has coincided with the shortage in the supply of American blood banks. Some American organisations have claimed that the blood banks have very limited supply and it is constantly decreasing. “We simply like to keep three days of inventory,” Chris Hrouda, president of biomedical services at the American Red Cross, said in a local interview. “We’re struggling to keep one day.”

Four-fold increase observed in hospitalisation of New York's children, amid Omicron spread

As China's new coronavirus cases continue to mount, state-run Global Times newspaper said there was "urgency" to roll out vaccination for kids aged between 3-11.

China's newspaper said "child immunity" was part of government strategy while pointing out that the virus has spread in schools and has "affected kindergarten children in at least four places" including in capital Beijing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-arrests-official-who-was-sent-to-wuhan-during-covid-outbreak-427198">Also Read:&nbsp;China arrests official who was sent to Wuhan during Covid outbreak</a>

The report said nineteen children were detected with the virus in Henan's Zhenzhou city recently. The newspaper added that booster shots have also been administered in cities targeting healthcare workers and those involved in education.

According to data revealed by the newspaper over 3.53 million doses have been administered to children aged 3-11 in China.&nbsp;

The report quoted an immunologist who said that hospitalisation among children had increased ten folds as compared to earlier this year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zhang-zhan-who-exposed-chinas-mishandling-of-covid-is-close-to-death-in-jail-family-426911">Also Read:&nbsp;Zhang Zhan, who exposed China's mishandling of Covid, is close to death in jail</a>

Global Times reported that the country has witnessed over 30 local outbreaks linked to "imported cases" since last year.&nbsp;The current virus outbreak has spread to 44 cities in 20 provinces with 50 local cases reported on Saturday, the report said.

Chinese authorities had recently asked citizens to "store a certain amount of daily necessities as needed to meet daily life and emergencies" amid a surge in virus cases and reported food shortages in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wont-give-up-on-its-zero-tolerance-covid-policy-soon-experts-426086">Also Read |&nbsp;China won't give up on its zero-tolerance COVID policy soon</a>

The country has been witnessing a surge in virus cases since August due to the Delta variant. In August, the country reported 143 new cases as infections continued to rise in September as authorities ramped up testing.

Authorities had earlier closed Shanghai's Disneyland as new COVID-19 cases were reported and locked up all those inside including visitors as mass testing was conducted. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

As China's new coronavirus cases continue to mount, state-run Global Times newspaper said there was "urgency" to roll out vaccination for kids aged between 3-11.

As China's new coronavirus cases continue to mount, state-run Global Times newspaper said there was "urgency" to roll out vaccination for kids aged between 3-11. China's newspaper said "child immunity" was part of government strategy while pointing out that the virus has spread in schools and has "affected kindergarten children in at least four places" including in capital Beijing. Also Read: China arrests official who was sent to Wuhan during Covid outbreak The report said nineteen children were detected with the virus in Henan's Zhenzhou city recently. The newspaper added that booster shots have also been administered in cities targeting healthcare workers and those involved in education. According to data revealed by the newspaper over 3.53 million doses have been administered to children aged 3-11 in China. The report quoted an immunologist who said that hospitalisation among children had increased ten folds as compared to earlier this year. Also Read: Zhang Zhan, who exposed China's mishandling of Covid, is close to death in jail Global Times reported that the country has witnessed over 30 local outbreaks linked to "imported cases" since last year. The current virus outbreak has spread to 44 cities in 20 provinces with 50 local cases reported on Saturday, the report said. Chinese authorities had recently asked citizens to "store a certain amount of daily necessities as needed to meet daily life and emergencies" amid a surge in virus cases and reported food shortages in the country. Also Read | China won't give up on its zero-tolerance COVID policy soon The country has been witnessing a surge in virus cases since August due to the Delta variant. In August, the country reported 143 new cases as infections continued to rise in September as authorities ramped up testing. Authorities had earlier closed Shanghai's Disneyland as new COVID-19 cases were reported and locked up all those inside including visitors as mass testing was conducted. (With inputs from Agencies)

China seeks to speed up vaccination as kids report increased infections

<h5 class="MsoNormal">(Disclaimer: The videos can be triggering for some people. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of this video)</h5>

As cases are increasing in China's Fujian province, children, as little as four-year-old, are also being forced into isolation wards without their parents.

A video being shared on Chinese social media show an unaccompanied four-year-old boy being forced into isolation ward and CT scan rooms.<o:p></o:p>

The small unaccompanied four-year-old boy was dressed in all-white hazmat suit&nbsp;walking with a suitcase as the authorities are forcing him to go into isolation during late hours of night.

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A 4-year-old kid — who tested positive (asymptomatic) for COVID-19 — in Putian (莆田), Fujian province, is being taken away for quarantine by himself. Putian is where a major outbreak is happening at the moment. <a href="https://t.co/7op6qnCQSC">pic.twitter.com/7op6qnCQSC</a>
— Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Byron_Wan/status/1437896331272413184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The cases have come to light after a new cluster has been observed in Fujian province. Cases peaked to 186 within a week after 85 new infections were reported on September 15 itself.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

In this new surge of cases, which has majorly been caused due to the Delta variant, the most troubling cases are the ones in which children are getting infected. Nearly 36 children under the age of 10, and as little as four, have contracted the virus.<o:p></o:p>

Due to the increase in cases, the authorities decided to put children in isolation wards, but all of them were unaccompanied.<o:p></o:p>

These unaccompanied children are being temporarily separated from their parents and are also undergoing various medical examinations alone, such as CT scan and more.<o:p></o:p>

The videos were reportedly posted by a nurse who works at a fever clinic at the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University. She also posted a second video of a child dressed in hazmat suit with a backpack, entering a room for CT scan.<o:p></o:p>

(Disclaimer: The videos can be triggering for some people. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of this video) As cases are increasing in China's Fujian province, children, as little as four-year-old, are also being forced into isolation wards without their parents.

(Disclaimer: The videos can be triggering for some people. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of this video) As cases are increasing in China's Fujian province, children, as little as four-year-old, are also being forced into isolation wards without their parents. A video being shared on Chinese social media show an unaccompanied four-year-old boy being forced into isolation ward and CT scan rooms. The small unaccompanied four-year-old boy was dressed in all-white hazmat suit walking with a suitcase as the authorities are forcing him to go into isolation during late hours of night. A 4-year-old kid — who tested positive (asymptomatic) for COVID-19 — in Putian (莆田), Fujian province, is being taken away for quarantine by himself. Putian is where a major outbreak is happening at the moment. pic.twitter.com/7op6qnCQSC — Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) September 14, 2021 × The cases have come to light after a new cluster has been observed in Fujian province. Cases peaked to 186 within a week after 85 new infections were reported on September 15 itself. In this new surge of cases, which has majorly been caused due to the Delta variant, the most troubling cases are the ones in which children are getting infected. Nearly 36 children under the age of 10, and as little as four, have contracted the virus. Due to the increase in cases, the authorities decided to put children in isolation wards, but all of them were unaccompanied. These unaccompanied children are being temporarily separated from their parents and are also undergoing various medical examinations alone, such as CT scan and more. The videos were reportedly posted by a nurse who works at a fever clinic at the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University. She also posted a second video of a child dressed in hazmat suit with a backpack, entering a room for CT scan.

WATCH: China forces 4-year-old child into isolation as Covid cases surge in Putian

When the coronavirus took over the world in December 2019, experts believed it would not severely affect children. A recent study goes on to prove just the same.

A recent surge in Covid hospitalisations of children in the US sent waves of worry all around the world. Parents and experts raised alarm over the increased paediatric hospitalisations.

However, a recent study has brought back a sigh of relief for the worried parents. A paper released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that children are not in grave danger of catching coronavirus and the Delta variant would not cause severe childhood <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a>.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/schools-are-not-drivers-of-covid-infections-in-uk-experts-410228" hreflang="en">Schools are not 'drivers' of Covid infections in UK: Experts</a>

The researchers collected and studied data of hospital records around the country between March 01, 2020 and August 14, 2021. This data covered nearly 10 per cent of the US population.

This study also stated that between June 20 and July 31, 2021, children who have not been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> were at 10 times greater risk of getting hospitalised, in comparison to the ones who have been fully vaccinated.

During the time of the data collection, weekly hospitalisations of children upto the age of 17 was at the lowest i.e. 0.3 per 100,000. It then rose to 1.4 per 100,000 till August 14. The hospitalisations hit its peak of 1.5 per 100,000 in the week of January 09, which was when the US was struggling with the Alpha variant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-long-covid-be-linked-to-dementia-410574">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-long-covid-be-linked-to-dementia-410574/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Scientists studied data of nearly 3,116 hospitals and found that the results of the recent study are consistent with the initial research which concluded that the percentage of children developing severe Covid in childhood remains same as the initial research.

The researchers also observed that the Covid hospitalisations and visits in the emergency rooms were nearly 3.7 times and 3.4 times higher respectively in the states where the vaccination rate has been staggering. Experts conclude that to protect children under the age of 12, it is important for adults to get vaccinated to stop community spread of the deadly coronavirus.

When the coronavirus took over the world in December 2019, experts believed it would not severely affect children. A recent study goes on to prove just the same.

When the coronavirus took over the world in December 2019, experts believed it would not severely affect children. A recent study goes on to prove just the same. A recent surge in Covid hospitalisations of children in the US sent waves of worry all around the world. Parents and experts raised alarm over the increased paediatric hospitalisations. However, a recent study has brought back a sigh of relief for the worried parents. A paper released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that children are not in grave danger of catching coronavirus and the Delta variant would not cause severe childhood Covid. Also read | Schools are not 'drivers' of Covid infections in UK: Experts The researchers collected and studied data of hospital records around the country between March 01, 2020 and August 14, 2021. This data covered nearly 10 per cent of the US population. This study also stated that between June 20 and July 31, 2021, children who have not been vaccinated were at 10 times greater risk of getting hospitalised, in comparison to the ones who have been fully vaccinated. During the time of the data collection, weekly hospitalisations of children upto the age of 17 was at the lowest i.e. 0.3 per 100,000. It then rose to 1.4 per 100,000 till August 14. The hospitalisations hit its peak of 1.5 per 100,000 in the week of January 09, which was when the US was struggling with the Alpha variant. WATCH | Scientists studied data of nearly 3,116 hospitals and found that the results of the recent study are consistent with the initial research which concluded that the percentage of children developing severe Covid in childhood remains same as the initial research. The researchers also observed that the Covid hospitalisations and visits in the emergency rooms were nearly 3.7 times and 3.4 times higher respectively in the states where the vaccination rate has been staggering. Experts conclude that to protect children under the age of 12, it is important for adults to get vaccinated to stop community spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Delta variant will not increase risk of developing severe childhood Covid: Study

As the United States recorded over 100,000 average daily <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-say-us-is-failing-to-control-covid-fauci-warns-against-worse-variant-404096">coronavirus</a> cases on Sunday, top US health official Francis Collin said "we are failing".

The death toll due to the virus in the United States has gone beyond 89 per cent as reports say young people are being hit by the virus.

Infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci had earlier warned the failure to control the Delta variant could lead to the emergence of a new variant which could be "could be more problematic than Delta."

Watch:

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Amid the surge of the virus, organizers of the New Orleans Jazz Fest announced that the event which was due to take place in October was being cancelled.

US health experts fear the virus could spread among children since kids below 12 are still not vaccinated and schools in the US are set to reopen in weeks.

"It will probably result in outbreaks in schools, and kids will have to go back to remote learning, which is the one thing we want to prevent," Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that asymptomatic children can also spread the virus.

"Children 2 years or older should wear masks in public indoor settings, including schools," the CDC said.

Reports say children's hospitals in Florida is&nbsp;completely overwhelmed even as Republican Governor Ron DeSantis issued an order barring the state's school districts from mandating mask-wearing.

There were 72,000 pediatric cases in the week leading up to July 29 with Florida accounting for 20,000 cases. Florida has also accounted for the highest number of hospitalisations&nbsp;numbering 143 which is&nbsp;more than Texas.

The CDC has recommended students and staff in schools to wear masks regardless of vaccination status.

The United States is the worst-hit country due to the virus with 35 million coronavirus cases and over 616,800 deaths.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the United States recorded over 100,000 average daily coronavirus cases on Sunday, top US health official Francis Collin said "we are failing". The death toll due to the virus in the United States has gone beyond 89 per cent as reports say young people are being hit by the virus.

As the United States recorded over 100,000 average daily coronavirus cases on Sunday, top US health official Francis Collin said "we are failing". The death toll due to the virus in the United States has gone beyond 89 per cent as reports say young people are being hit by the virus. Infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci had earlier warned the failure to control the Delta variant could lead to the emergence of a new variant which could be "could be more problematic than Delta." Watch: Amid the surge of the virus, organizers of the New Orleans Jazz Fest announced that the event which was due to take place in October was being cancelled. US health experts fear the virus could spread among children since kids below 12 are still not vaccinated and schools in the US are set to reopen in weeks. "It will probably result in outbreaks in schools, and kids will have to go back to remote learning, which is the one thing we want to prevent," Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that asymptomatic children can also spread the virus. "Children 2 years or older should wear masks in public indoor settings, including schools," the CDC said. Reports say children's hospitals in Florida is completely overwhelmed even as Republican Governor Ron DeSantis issued an order barring the state's school districts from mandating mask-wearing. There were 72,000 pediatric cases in the week leading up to July 29 with Florida accounting for 20,000 cases. Florida has also accounted for the highest number of hospitalisations numbering 143 which is more than Texas. The CDC has recommended students and staff in schools to wear masks regardless of vaccination status. The United States is the worst-hit country due to the virus with 35 million coronavirus cases and over 616,800 deaths. (With inputs from Agencies)

Children under threat as US battles current virus outbreak

Taliban continued its sweep across Afghanistan targeting provincial capitals after overrunning rural areas in the south and north. Last week the Taliban had captured a provincial capital located on the border of Iran and Afghanistan in Nimoroz as US troops continue their final pullout from the country.

Children in America have become the target of the virus surge with the Delta variant spreading rapidly throughout the country even as Infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci had earlier warned the failure to control the Delta variant could lead to the emergence of a new variant.

French citizens will have to show their COVID-19 pass from today if they want to enter restaurants as the Macron government aims to boost vaccination numbers.&nbsp;

Also, catch the latest post-Olympics news&nbsp;and check our Video feature.

Click on headlines to read more:

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-seize-provincial-capitals-in-afghanistan-as-kunduz-falls-404107">Taliban seize provincial capitals in Afghanistan as Kunduz falls</a>

<img alt="Taliban" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="898270c0-716b-4f66-b813-0d72d370cffc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/TT1.jpg" />

On Saturday, the Taliban had reportedly seized&nbsp;Jawzjan&nbsp;which was the second provincial capital to fall to the militant outfit in under 24 hours.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-under-threat-as-us-battles-current-virus-outbreak-404108">Children under threat as US battles current virus outbreak</a>

<img alt="Coronavirus in Children" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d924a21-83cc-4edd-8cac-8927438cb49c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/CC1.jpg" />

Infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci had earlier warned the failure to control the&nbsp;Delta variant&nbsp;could lead to the emergence of a new variant which could be "could be more problematic than Delta."

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-protests-france-to-implement-macrons-covid-19-pass-from-today-404113">Despite protests, France to implement Macron's COVID-19 pass from today</a>

<img alt="Coroanvirus in France" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6daf4185-138f-4bd7-a4b8-69bc2fda4fde" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Liberty1.jpg" />

Reports say the vaccination rates have jumped ever since the French president unveiled his health pass plans last month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-pm-yoshihide-sugas-support-slides-to-record-low-as-olympic-games-close-survey-reveals-404103">Japan PM Yoshihide Suga's support slides to record low as Olympic Games close, survey reveals</a>

<img alt="Japanese PM Suga" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a9dce2a-f175-41f5-8d2a-d9dfed40fc7a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Su1.jpg" />

Roughly a third disapproved of holding the Games which closed on Sunday and 60% said they did not want Suga to stay on as premier, according to the poll conducted by Asahi newspaper.

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<a href="&lt;div class=&quot;videoWrapper trancodeVideo&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe src=&quot;https://www.wionews.com/videos/wildfires-continue-to-ravage-greece-404049/embed&quot; width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;350&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;max-width:560px;&quot; class=&quot;includeVideo&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; autoplay=1 allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;">Watch: Wildfires continue to ravage Greece</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wildfires-continue-to-ravage-greece-404049/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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Taliban continued its sweep across Afghanistan targeting provincial capitals after overrunning rural areas in the south and north. Last week the Taliban had captured a provincial capital located on the border of Iran and Afghanistan in Nimoroz as US troops continue their final pullout from the country.

Taliban continued its sweep across Afghanistan targeting provincial capitals after overrunning rural areas in the south and north. Last week the Taliban had captured a provincial capital located on the border of Iran and Afghanistan in Nimoroz as US troops continue their final pullout from the country. Children in America have become the target of the virus surge with the Delta variant spreading rapidly throughout the country even as Infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci had earlier warned the failure to control the Delta variant could lead to the emergence of a new variant. French citizens will have to show their COVID-19 pass from today if they want to enter restaurants as the Macron government aims to boost vaccination numbers. Also, catch the latest post-Olympics news and check our Video feature. Click on headlines to read more: Taliban seize provincial capitals in Afghanistan as Kunduz falls On Saturday, the Taliban had reportedly seized Jawzjan which was the second provincial capital to fall to the militant outfit in under 24 hours. Children under threat as US battles current virus outbreak Infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci had earlier warned the failure to control the Delta variant could lead to the emergence of a new variant which could be "could be more problematic than Delta." Despite protests, France to implement Macron's COVID-19 pass from today Reports say the vaccination rates have jumped ever since the French president unveiled his health pass plans last month. Japan PM Yoshihide Suga's support slides to record low as Olympic Games close, survey reveals Roughly a third disapproved of holding the Games which closed on Sunday and 60% said they did not want Suga to stay on as premier, according to the poll conducted by Asahi newspaper. Watch: Wildfires continue to ravage Greece

Morning news brief: Taliban capture provincial capitals; virus hits children in US & more

Very few <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> positive children who are symptomatic retain those symptoms after four weeks, according to a new study published in The Lancet Child &amp; Adolescent Health.

As per an analysis of the data collected between September 2020 and February 2021 of 1,734 children aged between five to 17 years, long-term symptoms of coronavirus are very rare in children of this age.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/must-debunk-fake-news-myths-on-breast-feeding-causing-covid-19-402903" hreflang="en">‘Must debunk fake news, myths on breast-feeding causing COVID-19'&nbsp;</a>

On average, symptoms lasted in children for five days in children between the age of five and 11, and seven days in children aged between 12 to 17 years. However, nearly 4.4 per cent of children experienced symptoms for almost four weeks and only one in 50 experienced those symptoms for more than two months.

The most common symptoms faced by children of this age group are headaches, loss of smell, sore throat, and immense fatigue. This came as good news for the children of the age group as adults experienced similar, and even worse, symptoms for nearly four weeks. One in 20 adults also reported being ill for eight weeks or longer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-nepal-is-facing-a-grim-shortage-of-covid-vaccines-402919">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-nepal-is-facing-a-grim-shortage-of-covid-vaccines-402919/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, children who had tested positive for coronavirus also stayed ill for longer than four weeks when they faced other illnesses. These children who were battling other illnesses also faced some more symptoms after four weeks.

The data collected may not change as per the new Delta variant, experts claimed.

Very few Covid positive children who are symptomatic retain those symptoms after four weeks, according to a new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.

Very few Covid positive children who are symptomatic retain those symptoms after four weeks, according to a new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. As per an analysis of the data collected between September 2020 and February 2021 of 1,734 children aged between five to 17 years, long-term symptoms of coronavirus are very rare in children of this age. Also read | ‘Must debunk fake news, myths on breast-feeding causing COVID-19' On average, symptoms lasted in children for five days in children between the age of five and 11, and seven days in children aged between 12 to 17 years. However, nearly 4.4 per cent of children experienced symptoms for almost four weeks and only one in 50 experienced those symptoms for more than two months. The most common symptoms faced by children of this age group are headaches, loss of smell, sore throat, and immense fatigue. This came as good news for the children of the age group as adults experienced similar, and even worse, symptoms for nearly four weeks. One in 20 adults also reported being ill for eight weeks or longer. WATCH | However, children who had tested positive for coronavirus also stayed ill for longer than four weeks when they faced other illnesses. These children who were battling other illnesses also faced some more symptoms after four weeks. The data collected may not change as per the new Delta variant, experts claimed.

Long term Covid symptoms very rare in children, study confirms

A little after the UK government opened vaccination for young people, more than 220,000 children in the country have had the first dose of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine?page=1">coronavirus vaccine</a>, as per official figures.

NHS data shows that till July 25 more than 223,755 children under the age of 18 have received the first dose of coronavirus vaccine. In total, 79,616 children have had both doses of the vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigubKuqpfyAhUQzjgGHd1KCx4QFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3BRw2pt4_bvB6RzdFhGch6" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigubKuqpfyAhUQzjgGHd1KCx4QFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3BRw2pt4_bvB6RzdFhGch6" target="_blank">Universal&nbsp;coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery</a>

This news has come as the local media reported that the government might soon open vaccination for 16 and 17-year-old children in the country. Till now, children under 18 who have special medical conditions, living with people who have vulnerable immunity and have their 18th birthday approaching soon were eligible for the Covid vaccine.

However, a local media agency, PA, has reported that some 16 and 17-year-olds are also being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus on the basis of walk-in appointments. The condition in these cases is that the child should be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-infection-impacts-intelligence-levels-in-recovered-patients-study-402793" hreflang="en">Coronavirus infection impacts intelligence levels in recovered patients: Study</a>

This figure has been revealed at a time when the country is observing a surge in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus"> Delta variant cases of coronavirus</a> — a variant of concern that can also target young people and children in the future.

While the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been approved for use in children between the ages&nbsp;of 17 and 12, a debate has been going on in different parts of the world where people are divided on the subject of whether children should be vaccinated right now or not. Some people feel it is morally incorrect to vaccinate children, who are at low risk of getting infected when millions of vulnerable middle-aged people are at risk in third-world countries. However, some other people also feel that it is important to safeguard and protect children before some new variant targets the future generation of this Earth.

A little after the UK government opened vaccination for young people, more than 220,000 children in the country have had the first dose of coronavirus vaccine, as per official figures.

A little after the UK government opened vaccination for young people, more than 220,000 children in the country have had the first dose of coronavirus vaccine, as per official figures. NHS data shows that till July 25 more than 223,755 children under the age of 18 have received the first dose of coronavirus vaccine. In total, 79,616 children have had both doses of the vaccine. Also read | Universal coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery This news has come as the local media reported that the government might soon open vaccination for 16 and 17-year-old children in the country. Till now, children under 18 who have special medical conditions, living with people who have vulnerable immunity and have their 18th birthday approaching soon were eligible for the Covid vaccine. However, a local media agency, PA, has reported that some 16 and 17-year-olds are also being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus on the basis of walk-in appointments. The condition in these cases is that the child should be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Also read | Coronavirus infection impacts intelligence levels in recovered patients: Study This figure has been revealed at a time when the country is observing a surge in Delta variant cases of coronavirus — a variant of concern that can also target young people and children in the future. While the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been approved for use in children between the ages of 17 and 12, a debate has been going on in different parts of the world where people are divided on the subject of whether children should be vaccinated right now or not. Some people feel it is morally incorrect to vaccinate children, who are at low risk of getting infected when millions of vulnerable middle-aged people are at risk in third-world countries. However, some other people also feel that it is important to safeguard and protect children before some new variant targets the future generation of this Earth.

UK: More than 220,000 children inoculated with first dose of Covid vaccine

Children were earlier thought to be safe from the Wuhan virus.

In April 2020, the United Nations in a policy brief had said: "Children are not the face of the pandemic, they have been largely spared from the direct health effects of COVID-19."

Watch:

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However, a Harvard study in August 2020 had called children the silent spreaders of the virus. In short, children were considered to be carriers, not victims of the virus.

One year into the pandemic, children have been dying of the Wuhan virus. Babies as young as 1.5 months are in need of medical intervention. They are showing symptoms like fever, cough and cold.&nbsp;

There are also asymptomatic cases, again. For the longest time it was thought that asymptomatic children have low levels of infection. However, now it turns out that theory may no longer be true.

Asymptomatic children are now developing&nbsp;life-threatening complications weeks after being infected.&nbsp;

A tweet about one such case was widely shared a few days ago. It was an account of a mother whose 11-year-old son had developed a rare and dangerous illness called MISC or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.

The mother wrote her son had bloodshot eyes, rash all over his body and continuous vomitin.&nbsp;She said her son had difficulty staying up and responding.

The child had developed a multi-organ inflammation by the time he was taken to the hospital and examined. The mother said, "we were told that if he would not have been admitted when we did, we would have missed the boat".

The child began showing symptoms of MISC at least four&nbsp;weeks after being infected by the virus. But no one knew the child even had COVID-19 at first since he was asymptomatic.

It took a life-threatening illness for the cat to come out of the bag.

MISC was first linked to the Wuhan virus in April 2020. Pediatric doctors from London reported cases of the immune system in children being triggered inappropriately after being infected by the virus.

Now, one year later, the world still does not have a way to stop it since there are no vaccines for children, at least the majority of them.

In the Indian state of Maharashtra alone, more than 60,000 children have tested positive for the Wuhan virus between March 1 and April 4.

There is an information deficit, with no awareness about the kind of symptoms kids may show when infected or about MISC.

Children have been battling the second wave unshielded. They are also bracing for a third wave as latest estimates say the third wave will hit India by October 2021, which is five months from now.

The only way to protect children is by getting them vaccinated. However, only a couple of rich countries have begun vaccinating kids.

In the United States, children between the age group of 12 to 15 will now be able to take the Pfizer-BionTech vaccine.

Pfizer's vaccine has been tested in the 12 to 15 age group. They were given the same dosage as adults and they showed the same side effects - sore arms, &nbsp;chills and aches.

Last week, Canada included those above the age of 12 in&nbsp;its inoculation programme. The EU is likely to follow suit.

Authorities say the European Union could approve the Pfizer jab for children above the age of 12 as early as this month.

Vaccine trials have been going on in children as young as 6 months old. While it may sound morally wrong to many, it is the only way out.

Vaccination is the only way out of the pandemic, with jabs for&nbsp;both children and adults.

Children were earlier thought to be safe from the Wuhan virus. In April 2020, the United Nations in a policy brief had said: "Children are not the face of the pandemic, they have been largely spared from the direct health effects of COVID-19.

Children were earlier thought to be safe from the Wuhan virus. In April 2020, the United Nations in a policy brief had said: "Children are not the face of the pandemic, they have been largely spared from the direct health effects of COVID-19." Watch: However, a Harvard study in August 2020 had called children the silent spreaders of the virus. In short, children were considered to be carriers, not victims of the virus. One year into the pandemic, children have been dying of the Wuhan virus. Babies as young as 1.5 months are in need of medical intervention. They are showing symptoms like fever, cough and cold. There are also asymptomatic cases, again. For the longest time it was thought that asymptomatic children have low levels of infection. However, now it turns out that theory may no longer be true. Asymptomatic children are now developing life-threatening complications weeks after being infected. A tweet about one such case was widely shared a few days ago. It was an account of a mother whose 11-year-old son had developed a rare and dangerous illness called MISC or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. The mother wrote her son had bloodshot eyes, rash all over his body and continuous vomitin. She said her son had difficulty staying up and responding. The child had developed a multi-organ inflammation by the time he was taken to the hospital and examined. The mother said, "we were told that if he would not have been admitted when we did, we would have missed the boat". The child began showing symptoms of MISC at least four weeks after being infected by the virus. But no one knew the child even had COVID-19 at first since he was asymptomatic. It took a life-threatening illness for the cat to come out of the bag. MISC was first linked to the Wuhan virus in April 2020. Pediatric doctors from London reported cases of the immune system in children being triggered inappropriately after being infected by the virus. Now, one year later, the world still does not have a way to stop it since there are no vaccines for children, at least the majority of them. In the Indian state of Maharashtra alone, more than 60,000 children have tested positive for the Wuhan virus between March 1 and April 4. There is an information deficit, with no awareness about the kind of symptoms kids may show when infected or about MISC. Children have been battling the second wave unshielded. They are also bracing for a third wave as latest estimates say the third wave will hit India by October 2021, which is five months from now. The only way to protect children is by getting them vaccinated. However, only a couple of rich countries have begun vaccinating kids. In the United States, children between the age group of 12 to 15 will now be able to take the Pfizer-BionTech vaccine. Pfizer's vaccine has been tested in the 12 to 15 age group. They were given the same dosage as adults and they showed the same side effects - sore arms, chills and aches. Last week, Canada included those above the age of 12 in its inoculation programme. The EU is likely to follow suit. Authorities say the European Union could approve the Pfizer jab for children above the age of 12 as early as this month. Vaccine trials have been going on in children as young as 6 months old. While it may sound morally wrong to many, it is the only way out. Vaccination is the only way out of the pandemic, with jabs for both children and adults.

Why children need to be protected from the virus

Fifteen-year-old Braden Wilson was frightened of COVID-19. He was careful to wear masks and only left his house, in Simi Valley, California, for things like orthodontist checkups and visits with his grandparents nearby.

But somehow, the virus found Braden. It wreaked ruthless damage in the form of an inflammatory syndrome that, for unknown reasons, strikes some young people, usually several weeks after infection by the coronavirus.

Doctors at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles put the teenager on a ventilator and a heart-lung bypass machine. But they could not stop his major organs from failing. On Jan. 5, “they officially said he was brain-dead,” his mother, Amanda Wilson, recounted, sobbing. “My boy was gone.”

Doctors across the country have been seeing a striking increase in the number of young people with the condition Braden had, which is called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children or MIS-C. Even more worrisome, they say, is that more patients are now very sick than during the first wave of cases, which alarmed doctors and parents around the world last spring.

“We’re now getting more of these MIS-C kids, but this time, it just seems that a higher percentage of them are really critically ill,” said Dr. Roberta DeBiasi, chief of infectious diseases at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. During the hospital’s first wave, about half the patients needed treatment in the intensive care unit, she said, but now 80-90% do.

The reasons are unclear. The surge follows the overall spike of COVID cases in the United States after the winter holiday season, and more cases may simply increase chances for severe disease to emerge. So far, there’s no evidence that recent coronavirus variants are responsible, and experts say it is too early to speculate about any effect of variants on the syndrome.

The condition remains rare. The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show 2,060 cases in 48 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, including 30 deaths. The median age was 9, but infants to 20-year-olds have been afflicted. The data, which is complete only through mid-December, shows the rate of cases has been increasing since mid-October.

While most young people, even those who became seriously ill, have survived and gone home in relatively healthy condition, doctors are uncertain whether any will experience lingering heart issues or other problems.

“We really don’t know what will happen in the long term,” said Dr. Jean Ballweg, medical director of pediatric heart transplant and advanced heart failure at Children’s Hospital &amp; Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, where from April through October, the hospital treated about two cases a month, about 30% of them in the ICU. That rose to 10 cases in December and 12 in January, with 60% needing ICU care — most requiring ventilators. “Clearly, they seem to be more sick,” she said.

Symptoms of the syndrome can include fever, rash, red eyes or gastrointestinal problems. Those can progress to heart dysfunction, including cardiogenic shock, in which the heart cannot squeeze enough to pump blood sufficiently. Some patients develop cardiomyopathy, which stiffens the heart muscle, or abnormal rhythm. Ballweg said one 15-year-old at her hospital needed a procedure that functioned as a temporary pacemaker.

Hospitals say most patients test positive for COVID antibodies that indicate previous infection, but some patients also test positive for active infection. Many children were previously healthy and had few or no symptoms from their initial COVID infection.

Doctors are uncertain which factors predispose children to the syndrome. Dr. Jane Newburger, associate chief for academic affairs in Boston Children’s Hospital’s cardiology department, who is a leader of a nationwide study, said patients with obesity and some older children seem to fare worse.

Sixty-nine percent of reported cases have affected Latino or Black young people, which experts believe stems from socioeconomic and other factors that have disproportionately exposed those communities to the virus. But Omaha’s hospital, where early cases were largely among children of Latino parents working in the meatpacking industry, is now “seeing a much more broad spectrum and every ethnicity,” Ballweg said.

Jude Knott, 4, was hospitalized in Omaha for 10 days after developing a headache, fever, vomiting, red eyes and a rapid heart rate.

“It was just a roller coaster,” said his mother, Ashley Knott, a career coach at an Omaha nonprofit helping low-income teenagers.

To explain to Jude the infusions of intravenous immunoglobulin doctors were giving him, she said they were “‘putting Ninjas in your blood so they can fight.’” For blood thinner injections, which he hated, she said, “‘Buddy, they’re making your blood go from a milkshake to water because we need it to be water.’ Anything to help him make sense of it.”

Jude recently returned to preschool full time. He has some dilation of a coronary artery, but is improving, his mother said.

“He’s definitely experiencing some anxiety,” Knott said. “I just worry that he’s kind of been saddled with some adult worries at 4.”

Doctors said they’ve learned effective treatments, which, besides steroids, immunoglobulin and blood thinners, can include blood pressure medications, an immunomodulator called anakinra and supplemental oxygen. Some hospitals use ventilators more than others, experts said.

But though doctors are learning more, pediatricians can miss the syndrome initially because early symptoms can mimic some common ailments.

On New Year’s Day, Mayson Barillas, 11, of Damascus, Maryland, started feeling sick. “My stomach started hurting, and then I went to my soccer game and then I got a fever,” he said.

His mother, Sandy Barillas, a medical assistant at a women’s health practice, gave him Alka Seltzer, Pepto Bismol and Tylenol. Several days later, he developed shortness of breath and they went to an urgent care clinic.

There, a rapid COVID-19 test was negative, as were evaluations for strep, influenza and appendicitis. Sandy Barillas said she was told, “It was just like a stomach flu.”

But the next day, Mayson had swollen eyes and lips with red blisters. “He started developing really bad body aches and he couldn’t walk anymore,” his mother said. She took him to an emergency room, which transferred him to Children’s National Hospital, where doctors said he exhibited cardiogenic shock.

“It was very scary,” Barillas said. “I’d never heard of this syndrome before.”

Mayson spent eight days in the hospital, four in the ICU. Since leaving, he has seen a hematologist, a rheumatologist and a cardiologist and is on blood thinners for now. The hardest part, said Mayson, a star local soccer player, is being temporarily sidelined from sports, as doctors advise for most patients for several months.

“It was very shocking for everybody in the community: ‘Wow, how did this happen to someone very healthy?’” Sandy Barillas said.

At a memorial service on Feb. 5, Braden Wilson was remembered as a kindhearted, creative teenager who loved filmmaking and fashion. His color-splashed oil paintings were displayed.

His mother read a poem he wrote that hangs on the refrigerator of his grandparents, Fabian and Joe Wilson, with whom he was close: “Hold fast to dreams / for if dreams create / life is a beautiful canvas / a masterpiece painted great.”

It’s unclear why the syndrome hit Braden so hard. Amanda Wilson said he did not have serious health issues. She said he was overweight but active, swimming three times a week and taking dance and yoga at his arts-and-science high school.

Symptoms started New Year’s Eve, when he began vomiting and spiking a fever. Wilson took him to an emergency room, where he tested positive for the coronavirus, received treatment that included a new monoclonal antibody drug and was sent home.

But his fever persisted and two days later, he developed diarrhea and his lips and fingers turned blue. Wilson called 911. When paramedics arrived, she said, he was “lying in his bed, like almost lifeless.”

At the hospital, he was hooked to a ventilator and transferred to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which like several hospitals has established a MIS-C clinic with various specialists.

“Braden was one of our most ill patients,” said Dr. Jacqueline Szmuszkovicz, a pediatric cardiologist there.

Doctors placed him on the heart-lung bypass machine, put him on dialysis and performed a heart procedure to relieve pressure. “He had what we would term severe multisystem organ failure: his lungs, his heart, his kidneys,” Szmuszkovicz said.

Through tears, Wilson said that after a few days, Braden began bleeding from his mouth, eyes and nose, and doctors ultimately could not detect brain activity. “I asked them specifically: ‘Is there any chance for him to recover from this?’” she recounted. “And they said no.”

Family members FaceTimed to say goodbye before life support was withdrawn. Wilson gave consent for doctors to take blood samples from his body for research studies.

Wilson had never written poetry before, but since Braden’s death, it has spilled out of her.

“Now your heart no longer beats / and I can’t hold you in my arms,” reads one. “But I remember back to those days / When my womb protected you from harm / You lived a life of beauty / of laughter, and of grace / I hold you now inside my heart / We’ll always share that space.”

Fifteen-year-old Braden Wilson was frightened of COVID-19. He was careful to wear masks and only left his house, in Simi Valley, California, for things like orthodontist checkups and visits with his grandparents nearby.

Fifteen-year-old Braden Wilson was frightened of COVID-19. He was careful to wear masks and only left his house, in Simi Valley, California, for things like orthodontist checkups and visits with his grandparents nearby. But somehow, the virus found Braden. It wreaked ruthless damage in the form of an inflammatory syndrome that, for unknown reasons, strikes some young people, usually several weeks after infection by the coronavirus. Doctors at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles put the teenager on a ventilator and a heart-lung bypass machine. But they could not stop his major organs from failing. On Jan. 5, “they officially said he was brain-dead,” his mother, Amanda Wilson, recounted, sobbing. “My boy was gone.” Doctors across the country have been seeing a striking increase in the number of young people with the condition Braden had, which is called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children or MIS-C. Even more worrisome, they say, is that more patients are now very sick than during the first wave of cases, which alarmed doctors and parents around the world last spring. “We’re now getting more of these MIS-C kids, but this time, it just seems that a higher percentage of them are really critically ill,” said Dr. Roberta DeBiasi, chief of infectious diseases at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. During the hospital’s first wave, about half the patients needed treatment in the intensive care unit, she said, but now 80-90% do. The reasons are unclear. The surge follows the overall spike of COVID cases in the United States after the winter holiday season, and more cases may simply increase chances for severe disease to emerge. So far, there’s no evidence that recent coronavirus variants are responsible, and experts say it is too early to speculate about any effect of variants on the syndrome. The condition remains rare. The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show 2,060 cases in 48 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, including 30 deaths. The median age was 9, but infants to 20-year-olds have been afflicted. The data, which is complete only through mid-December, shows the rate of cases has been increasing since mid-October. While most young people, even those who became seriously ill, have survived and gone home in relatively healthy condition, doctors are uncertain whether any will experience lingering heart issues or other problems. “We really don’t know what will happen in the long term,” said Dr. Jean Ballweg, medical director of pediatric heart transplant and advanced heart failure at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, where from April through October, the hospital treated about two cases a month, about 30% of them in the ICU. That rose to 10 cases in December and 12 in January, with 60% needing ICU care — most requiring ventilators. “Clearly, they seem to be more sick,” she said. Symptoms of the syndrome can include fever, rash, red eyes or gastrointestinal problems. Those can progress to heart dysfunction, including cardiogenic shock, in which the heart cannot squeeze enough to pump blood sufficiently. Some patients develop cardiomyopathy, which stiffens the heart muscle, or abnormal rhythm. Ballweg said one 15-year-old at her hospital needed a procedure that functioned as a temporary pacemaker. Hospitals say most patients test positive for COVID antibodies that indicate previous infection, but some patients also test positive for active infection. Many children were previously healthy and had few or no symptoms from their initial COVID infection. Doctors are uncertain which factors predispose children to the syndrome. Dr. Jane Newburger, associate chief for academic affairs in Boston Children’s Hospital’s cardiology department, who is a leader of a nationwide study, said patients with obesity and some older children seem to fare worse. Sixty-nine percent of reported cases have affected Latino or Black young people, which experts believe stems from socioeconomic and other factors that have disproportionately exposed those communities to the virus. But Omaha’s hospital, where early cases were largely among children of Latino parents working in the meatpacking industry, is now “seeing a much more broad spectrum and every ethnicity,” Ballweg said. Jude Knott, 4, was hospitalized in Omaha for 10 days after developing a headache, fever, vomiting, red eyes and a rapid heart rate. “It was just a roller coaster,” said his mother, Ashley Knott, a career coach at an Omaha nonprofit helping low-income teenagers. To explain to Jude the infusions of intravenous immunoglobulin doctors were giving him, she said they were “‘putting Ninjas in your blood so they can fight.’” For blood thinner injections, which he hated, she said, “‘Buddy, they’re making your blood go from a milkshake to water because we need it to be water.’ Anything to help him make sense of it.” Jude recently returned to preschool full time. He has some dilation of a coronary artery, but is improving, his mother said. “He’s definitely experiencing some anxiety,” Knott said. “I just worry that he’s kind of been saddled with some adult worries at 4.” Doctors said they’ve learned effective treatments, which, besides steroids, immunoglobulin and blood thinners, can include blood pressure medications, an immunomodulator called anakinra and supplemental oxygen. Some hospitals use ventilators more than others, experts said. But though doctors are learning more, pediatricians can miss the syndrome initially because early symptoms can mimic some common ailments. On New Year’s Day, Mayson Barillas, 11, of Damascus, Maryland, started feeling sick. “My stomach started hurting, and then I went to my soccer game and then I got a fever,” he said. His mother, Sandy Barillas, a medical assistant at a women’s health practice, gave him Alka Seltzer, Pepto Bismol and Tylenol. Several days later, he developed shortness of breath and they went to an urgent care clinic. There, a rapid COVID-19 test was negative, as were evaluations for strep, influenza and appendicitis. Sandy Barillas said she was told, “It was just like a stomach flu.” But the next day, Mayson had swollen eyes and lips with red blisters. “He started developing really bad body aches and he couldn’t walk anymore,” his mother said. She took him to an emergency room, which transferred him to Children’s National Hospital, where doctors said he exhibited cardiogenic shock. “It was very scary,” Barillas said. “I’d never heard of this syndrome before.” Mayson spent eight days in the hospital, four in the ICU. Since leaving, he has seen a hematologist, a rheumatologist and a cardiologist and is on blood thinners for now. The hardest part, said Mayson, a star local soccer player, is being temporarily sidelined from sports, as doctors advise for most patients for several months. “It was very shocking for everybody in the community: ‘Wow, how did this happen to someone very healthy?’” Sandy Barillas said. At a memorial service on Feb. 5, Braden Wilson was remembered as a kindhearted, creative teenager who loved filmmaking and fashion. His color-splashed oil paintings were displayed. His mother read a poem he wrote that hangs on the refrigerator of his grandparents, Fabian and Joe Wilson, with whom he was close: “Hold fast to dreams / for if dreams create / life is a beautiful canvas / a masterpiece painted great.” It’s unclear why the syndrome hit Braden so hard. Amanda Wilson said he did not have serious health issues. She said he was overweight but active, swimming three times a week and taking dance and yoga at his arts-and-science high school. Symptoms started New Year’s Eve, when he began vomiting and spiking a fever. Wilson took him to an emergency room, where he tested positive for the coronavirus, received treatment that included a new monoclonal antibody drug and was sent home. But his fever persisted and two days later, he developed diarrhea and his lips and fingers turned blue. Wilson called 911. When paramedics arrived, she said, he was “lying in his bed, like almost lifeless.” At the hospital, he was hooked to a ventilator and transferred to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which like several hospitals has established a MIS-C clinic with various specialists. “Braden was one of our most ill patients,” said Dr. Jacqueline Szmuszkovicz, a pediatric cardiologist there. Doctors placed him on the heart-lung bypass machine, put him on dialysis and performed a heart procedure to relieve pressure. “He had what we would term severe multisystem organ failure: his lungs, his heart, his kidneys,” Szmuszkovicz said. Through tears, Wilson said that after a few days, Braden began bleeding from his mouth, eyes and nose, and doctors ultimately could not detect brain activity. “I asked them specifically: ‘Is there any chance for him to recover from this?’” she recounted. “And they said no.” Family members FaceTimed to say goodbye before life support was withdrawn. Wilson gave consent for doctors to take blood samples from his body for research studies. Wilson had never written poetry before, but since Braden’s death, it has spilled out of her. “Now your heart no longer beats / and I can’t hold you in my arms,” reads one. “But I remember back to those days / When my womb protected you from harm / You lived a life of beauty / of laughter, and of grace / I hold you now inside my heart / We’ll always share that space.”

COVID-linked syndrome in children is growing and cases are more severe

The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted),&nbsp;a non-ministerial department of the UK government,&nbsp;has warned that most children in the country have forgotten how to use knife and forks due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The watchdog, which is responsible for inspecting a range of educational institutions, including state schools and some independent schools, said in its report that the majority of kids in England slipping back with their learning and some have gone essentially back with their social skills. While, older&nbsp;children have lost their "endurance" for perusing, state examiners.&nbsp;

The Department for Education says it shows the need to keep schools open.&nbsp;

Partitioned encounters&nbsp;

Ofsted has analysed the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on youngsters, in view of visits to 900 schools and early years suppliers this pre-winter, and found that it has been an exceptionally partitioned insight.&nbsp;

The chief inspector, Amanda Spielman, says there are three "general gatherings" to portray what has occurred:&nbsp;

The "hardest-hit" group of little children&nbsp;have&nbsp;experienced a break of school, going in reverse on words and numbers and with "relapse once more into nappies among potty-prepared kids" or losing "essential abilities'', for example, utilising a blade and fork.&nbsp;

Most of the kids in the center "have slipped back in their figuring out how to differing degrees since schools were shut to most youngsters and development limited" and the report says: "Lost learning is unarguable, yet it is difficult to evaluate."&nbsp;

There are additionally kids who found the lockdown a positive encounter - these youngsters, from strong yet not really wealthy foundations, may have profited by a more noteworthy feeling of fellowship with guardians and "quality time" as a family&nbsp;

In any case,&nbsp;Spielman says this didn't partition along the lines of favorable position and hardship, however, rather factors, for example, regardless of whether guardians had the option to invest energy with kids and families having what she portrayed as "great help structures".&nbsp;

Among older children, Ofsted cautions of lost focus among those getting back to class and that "online quarrels" that began via web-based media during the lockdown are presently "being happened in the study hall".&nbsp;

Get up to speed educational cost subsidizing for schools&nbsp;

Youngsters have fallen three months behind, state instructors&nbsp;

Understudies sent home in half of the optional schools&nbsp;

There are likewise reports of lost actual wellness, while different understudies are indicating "indications of mental trouble", with worries over dietary problems and self-hurt.&nbsp;

There are worries about understudies who have so far not got back to class - and in 33% of schools there has been an "increment in kids being taken out from school to be taught at home".&nbsp;

Schools 'firefighting'&nbsp;

In any case, auditors state schools are as yet "firefighting" functional issues about propping up during the pandemic, with the test of working air pockets and reacting to Covid flare-ups.&nbsp;

Geoff Barton, head of the ASCL head instructors' association, said the report "distinctly shows the instructive and passionate effect of school terminations, and why we have to do all that conceivable to keep schools open".&nbsp;

Yet, he cautioned that it was getting monetarily unreasonable to keep schools running, with the expense of wellbeing measures and the need to pay for flexibly staff when instructors needed to self-disconnect.&nbsp;

A Department for Education representative stated: "The legislature has been certain that getting all understudies and understudies once again into full-time schooling is a public need."&nbsp;

She said the $1.18 million&nbsp;get up to speed reserve, including support for coaching, would assist with compensating for lost learning.

The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted), a non-ministerial department of the UK government, has warned that most children in the country have forgotten how to use knife and forks due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted), a non-ministerial department of the UK government, has warned that most children in the country have forgotten how to use knife and forks due to the coronavirus pandemic. The watchdog, which is responsible for inspecting a range of educational institutions, including state schools and some independent schools, said in its report that the majority of kids in England slipping back with their learning and some have gone essentially back with their social skills. While, older children have lost their "endurance" for perusing, state examiners. The Department for Education says it shows the need to keep schools open. Partitioned encounters Ofsted has analysed the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on youngsters, in view of visits to 900 schools and early years suppliers this pre-winter, and found that it has been an exceptionally partitioned insight. The chief inspector, Amanda Spielman, says there are three "general gatherings" to portray what has occurred: The "hardest-hit" group of little children have experienced a break of school, going in reverse on words and numbers and with "relapse once more into nappies among potty-prepared kids" or losing "essential abilities'', for example, utilising a blade and fork. Most of the kids in the center "have slipped back in their figuring out how to differing degrees since schools were shut to most youngsters and development limited" and the report says: "Lost learning is unarguable, yet it is difficult to evaluate." There are additionally kids who found the lockdown a positive encounter - these youngsters, from strong yet not really wealthy foundations, may have profited by a more noteworthy feeling of fellowship with guardians and "quality time" as a family In any case, Spielman says this didn't partition along the lines of favorable position and hardship, however, rather factors, for example, regardless of whether guardians had the option to invest energy with kids and families having what she portrayed as "great help structures". Among older children, Ofsted cautions of lost focus among those getting back to class and that "online quarrels" that began via web-based media during the lockdown are presently "being happened in the study hall". Get up to speed educational cost subsidizing for schools Youngsters have fallen three months behind, state instructors Understudies sent home in half of the optional schools There are likewise reports of lost actual wellness, while different understudies are indicating "indications of mental trouble", with worries over dietary problems and self-hurt. There are worries about understudies who have so far not got back to class - and in 33% of schools there has been an "increment in kids being taken out from school to be taught at home". Schools 'firefighting' In any case, auditors state schools are as yet "firefighting" functional issues about propping up during the pandemic, with the test of working air pockets and reacting to Covid flare-ups. Geoff Barton, head of the ASCL head instructors' association, said the report "distinctly shows the instructive and passionate effect of school terminations, and why we have to do all that conceivable to keep schools open". Yet, he cautioned that it was getting monetarily unreasonable to keep schools running, with the expense of wellbeing measures and the need to pay for flexibly staff when instructors needed to self-disconnect. A Department for Education representative stated: "The legislature has been certain that getting all understudies and understudies once again into full-time schooling is a public need." She said the $1.18 million get up to speed reserve, including support for coaching, would assist with compensating for lost learning.

Watchdog warns lockdown children have forgotten how to use knife and fork

New research suggests that children can shed SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, even if they never develop symptoms or for long after symptoms have cleared. 
 
The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, provides important insight on the role children might play in the spread of coronavirus&nbsp;as communities continue to develop public health strategies to reign in this disease. 
 
The study that sparked this commentary focused on 91 pediatric patients followed at 22 hospitals throughout South Korea.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-coronavirus-impact-may-be-catastrophic-for-children-296055">Children face greater risk from coronavirus than previously expected, says study</a>

"Unlike in the American health system, those who test positive for Covid-19 in South Korea stay at the hospital until they clear their infections even if they aren`t symptomatic," said study researcher Roberta L. DeBiasi from Children`s National Hospital in the US. 
 
The patients here were identified for testing through contact tracing or developing symptoms.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-could-be-tied-to-a-rare-but-serious-illness-in-children-295199">Coronavirus could be tied to a rare but serious illness in children</a>

About 22 per cent never developed symptoms, 20 per cent were initially asymptomatic but developed symptoms later, and 58 per cent were symptomatic at their initial test. 
 
Over the course of the study, the hospitals where these children stayed continued to test them every three days on average, providing a picture of how long viral shedding continues over time. 
 
The study's findings show that the duration of symptoms varied widely, from three days to nearly three weeks. There was also a significant study in how long children continued to shed virus and could be potentially infectious. 
 
While the virus was detectable for an average of about two-and-a-half weeks in the entire group, a significant portion of the children,&nbsp;about a fifth of the asymptomatic patients and about half of the symptomatic ones,&nbsp;were still shedding virus at the three-week mark. 
 
The researchers wrote that the study makes several important points that add to the knowledge base about Covid-19 in children. 
 
One of these is a large number of asymptomatic patients, about a fifth of the group followed in this study. Another is that children, a group widely thought to develop a mostly mild disease that quickly passes, can retain symptoms for weeks. 
 
A third and important point, they said, is the duration of viral shedding. Even asymptomatic children continued to shed virus for a long time after initial testing, making them potential key vectors. 
 
Recently, a study published in The BMJ journal, revealed that children and young people have less severe COVID-19 than adults and death is exceptionally rare. 
 
Earlier, another research published this month in the Journal of Pediatrics, found that children play a larger role in the community spread of the Covid-19.

New research suggests that children can shed SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, even if they never develop symptoms or for long after symptoms have cleared.

New research suggests that children can shed SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, even if they never develop symptoms or for long after symptoms have cleared. The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, provides important insight on the role children might play in the spread of coronavirus as communities continue to develop public health strategies to reign in this disease. The study that sparked this commentary focused on 91 pediatric patients followed at 22 hospitals throughout South Korea. Also read: Children face greater risk from coronavirus than previously expected, says study "Unlike in the American health system, those who test positive for Covid-19 in South Korea stay at the hospital until they clear their infections even if they aren`t symptomatic," said study researcher Roberta L. DeBiasi from Children`s National Hospital in the US. The patients here were identified for testing through contact tracing or developing symptoms. Also read: Coronavirus could be tied to a rare but serious illness in children About 22 per cent never developed symptoms, 20 per cent were initially asymptomatic but developed symptoms later, and 58 per cent were symptomatic at their initial test. Over the course of the study, the hospitals where these children stayed continued to test them every three days on average, providing a picture of how long viral shedding continues over time. The study's findings show that the duration of symptoms varied widely, from three days to nearly three weeks. There was also a significant study in how long children continued to shed virus and could be potentially infectious. While the virus was detectable for an average of about two-and-a-half weeks in the entire group, a significant portion of the children, about a fifth of the asymptomatic patients and about half of the symptomatic ones, were still shedding virus at the three-week mark. The researchers wrote that the study makes several important points that add to the knowledge base about Covid-19 in children. One of these is a large number of asymptomatic patients, about a fifth of the group followed in this study. Another is that children, a group widely thought to develop a mostly mild disease that quickly passes, can retain symptoms for weeks. A third and important point, they said, is the duration of viral shedding. Even asymptomatic children continued to shed virus for a long time after initial testing, making them potential key vectors. Recently, a study published in The BMJ journal, revealed that children and young people have less severe COVID-19 than adults and death is exceptionally rare. Earlier, another research published this month in the Journal of Pediatrics, found that children play a larger role in the community spread of the Covid-19.

Children need extensive testing to identify ‘silently shedding’ COVID-19: Study

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach.

Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21.

Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-coronavirus-deaths-top-800000-as-nations-ramp-up-measures-322460">Also read:&nbsp;World coronavirus deaths top 800,000 as nations ramp up measures</a>

The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role.

Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said.

Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-tally-crosses-3-million-with-single-day-spike-of-69239-cases-322494">Also read: India's COVID tally crosses 3 million with single-day spike of 69,239 cases</a>

Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21.

Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said.

The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role.

Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said.

Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach. Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21. Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said. Also read: World coronavirus deaths top 800,000 as nations ramp up measures The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role. Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said. Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach. Also read: India's COVID tally crosses 3 million with single-day spike of 69,239 cases Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21. Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said. The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role. Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said. Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19.

WHO says children aged 12 and over should wear masks like adults

We know for sure children are less likely to fall seriously ill from the coronavirus, and emerging evidence suggests they're less likely to be infected too.

Understanding role of children in COVID transmission | Protecting children form COVID-19

Black and Hispanic children are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, according to two Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports published on Friday.

The CDC reports come just days after President Donald Trump told Fox News that children are "almost immune" to the coronavirus.

More than 338,000 children in the United States were diagnosed with COVID-19 until July 31, representing about 8 per cent of the nearly 5 million cases reported so far in the country.

One of the CDC reports released Friday found that between March 21 and July 25, "weekly hospitalisation rates steadily increased among children." And overall, Black and Hispanic children were most likely to require hospitalisation.

About a third of those children were sick enough to be admitted into a hospital's intensive care unit.

Forty-two percent of the 208 children in the CDC analysis had at least one underlying condition, usually obesity.

It's unclear how obesity might affect the severity of COVID-19 outcomes, but the link has also been noted among adults with the virus.

The second report published Friday by the CDC looked specifically at MIS-C.

Out of 570 such cases, 364 needed to be put in intensive care. Ten young patients died, the CDC reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-syndrome-linked-to-covid-19-found-in-nearly-600-us-children-318990">Also read |&nbsp;Rare syndrome linked to COVID-19 found in nearly 600 US children</a>

As with severe COVID-19 cases, racial and ethnic disparities are common for MIS-C, as well. About 60 per cent of children with MIS-C in Massachusetts have been Black or Hispanic.

Indeed, the CDC report found that overall across the country, MIS-C tended to be more prevalent -- 73.6 per cent -- in racial minorities.

Black and Hispanic children are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, according to two Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports published on Friday.

Black and Hispanic children are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, according to two Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports published on Friday. The CDC reports come just days after President Donald Trump told Fox News that children are "almost immune" to the coronavirus. More than 338,000 children in the United States were diagnosed with COVID-19 until July 31, representing about 8 per cent of the nearly 5 million cases reported so far in the country. One of the CDC reports released Friday found that between March 21 and July 25, "weekly hospitalisation rates steadily increased among children." And overall, Black and Hispanic children were most likely to require hospitalisation. About a third of those children were sick enough to be admitted into a hospital's intensive care unit. Forty-two percent of the 208 children in the CDC analysis had at least one underlying condition, usually obesity. It's unclear how obesity might affect the severity of COVID-19 outcomes, but the link has also been noted among adults with the virus. The second report published Friday by the CDC looked specifically at MIS-C. Out of 570 such cases, 364 needed to be put in intensive care. Ten young patients died, the CDC reported. Also read | Rare syndrome linked to COVID-19 found in nearly 600 US children As with severe COVID-19 cases, racial and ethnic disparities are common for MIS-C, as well. About 60 per cent of children with MIS-C in Massachusetts have been Black or Hispanic. Indeed, the CDC report found that overall across the country, MIS-C tended to be more prevalent -- 73.6 per cent -- in racial minorities.

Race plays a role in severe COVID-19 illness among kids, study finds

Nearly 600 children were admitted to US hospitals with a rare inflammatory syndrome associated with the novel coronavirus over four months during the peak of the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said in a report.

The data is consistent with two US studies published in June and several reports of the syndrome among COVID-19 patients in France, Italy, Spain and Britain.

The condition was reported in children and adolescent patients about two to four weeks after the onset of COVID-19, the CDC said on Friday.

The disease, referred to as the Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), is a rare but severe condition that shares symptoms with toxic shock and Kawasaki disease, including fever, rashes, swollen glands and, in severe cases, heart inflammation.

With rising COVID-19 cases, there could be an increased occurrence of MIS-C, but this might not be apparent immediately because of the delay in development of symptoms.

In May, the CDC published a health advisory with details of how MIS-C manifests in patients, and asked clinicians to report suspected US cases to local and state health departments.

As of July 29, state health departments across the country reported a total of 570 MIS-C patients diagnosed with the illness from March 2 to July 18. Among the MIS-C cases, all patients tested positive for COVID-19 and 10 died, the CDC said in the report.

The report, the CDC said, highlights the need for greater awareness among healthcare providers, as distinguishing patients with MIS-C from those with acute COVID-19 and other hyperinflammatory conditions is critical for early recognition, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment. 
&nbsp;

Nearly 600 children were admitted to US hospitals with a rare inflammatory syndrome associated with the novel coronavirus over four months during the peak of the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said in a report.

Nearly 600 children were admitted to US hospitals with a rare inflammatory syndrome associated with the novel coronavirus over four months during the peak of the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said in a report. The data is consistent with two US studies published in June and several reports of the syndrome among COVID-19 patients in France, Italy, Spain and Britain. The condition was reported in children and adolescent patients about two to four weeks after the onset of COVID-19, the CDC said on Friday. The disease, referred to as the Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), is a rare but severe condition that shares symptoms with toxic shock and Kawasaki disease, including fever, rashes, swollen glands and, in severe cases, heart inflammation. With rising COVID-19 cases, there could be an increased occurrence of MIS-C, but this might not be apparent immediately because of the delay in development of symptoms. In May, the CDC published a health advisory with details of how MIS-C manifests in patients, and asked clinicians to report suspected US cases to local and state health departments. As of July 29, state health departments across the country reported a total of 570 MIS-C patients diagnosed with the illness from March 2 to July 18. Among the MIS-C cases, all patients tested positive for COVID-19 and 10 died, the CDC said in the report. The report, the CDC said, highlights the need for greater awareness among healthcare providers, as distinguishing patients with MIS-C from those with acute COVID-19 and other hyperinflammatory conditions is critical for early recognition, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment.

Rare syndrome linked to COVID-19 found in nearly 600 US children

Children under the age of five have between 10 to 100 times greater levels of genetic material of the coronavirus in their noses compared to older children and adults.

This implies that young children might be important drivers of COVID-19 transmission within communities.

This study, mentioned in JAMA Pediatrics, was carried out between March 23 and April 27. Researchers&nbsp;carried out nasal swab tests on 145 Chicago patients with mild to moderate illness within one week of symptom onset.

The research comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump is pushing hard for schools and daycare to reopen in order to kickstart the economy.

The patients were divided in three groups: 46 children younger than five-years-old, 51 children aged five to 17 years, and 48 adults aged 18 to 65 years.

The team observed "a 10-fold to 100-fold greater amount of SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract of young children."

The authors added that a recent lab study had demonstrated that the more viral genetic material was present, the more infectious virus could be grown.

It has also previously been shown that children with high viral loads of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more likely to spread the disease.

The new findings are at odds with the current view among health authorities that young children -- who, it has been well established, are far less likely to fall seriously ill from the virus -- don't spread it much to others either.&nbsp;

However, there has been fairly little research on the topic so far.

One recent study in South Korea found children aged 10 to 19 transmitted COVID-19 within households as much as adults, but children under nine transmitted the virus at lower rates.

Children under the age of five have between 10 to 100 times greater levels of genetic material of the coronavirus in their noses compared to older children and adults.

Children under the age of five have between 10 to 100 times greater levels of genetic material of the coronavirus in their noses compared to older children and adults. This implies that young children might be important drivers of COVID-19 transmission within communities. This study, mentioned in JAMA Pediatrics, was carried out between March 23 and April 27. Researchers carried out nasal swab tests on 145 Chicago patients with mild to moderate illness within one week of symptom onset. The research comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump is pushing hard for schools and daycare to reopen in order to kickstart the economy. The patients were divided in three groups: 46 children younger than five-years-old, 51 children aged five to 17 years, and 48 adults aged 18 to 65 years. The team observed "a 10-fold to 100-fold greater amount of SARS-CoV-2 in the upper respiratory tract of young children." The authors added that a recent lab study had demonstrated that the more viral genetic material was present, the more infectious virus could be grown. It has also previously been shown that children with high viral loads of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more likely to spread the disease. The new findings are at odds with the current view among health authorities that young children -- who, it has been well established, are far less likely to fall seriously ill from the virus -- don't spread it much to others either. However, there has been fairly little research on the topic so far. One recent study in South Korea found children aged 10 to 19 transmitted COVID-19 within households as much as adults, but children under nine transmitted the virus at lower rates.

Young children carry higher levels of coronavirus, says study

A girl was born in Texas with coronavirus even as her mother was&nbsp;diagnosed with COVID-19 with doctors claiming that the infection can be transmitted in the womb.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-significantly-contributes-to-rise-in-coronavirus-infections-and-deaths-study-313148">Also Read:&nbsp;Air pollution significantly contributes to rise in coronavirus infections and deaths</a>

The mother had tested positive for the virus a day after giving birth, the scientists studied the placenta of the woman and found traces of COVID-19. The baby reportedly developed fever and breathing difficulties which are the first signs of coronavirus and tested positive 24 to 48 hours later, reports claimed.

After treatment with supplemental oxygen, the tests remained positive but 21 days later both mother and baby recovered and were sent home.

Earlier, newborn triplets in Mexico had tested positive for coronavirus even though doctors claimed that the parents hadn't contracted the virus. However, doctors had suspected that the triplets could have got infected in the womb through the mother's placenta during pregnancy.

Experts earlier hadn't ruled out the transmission of the virus from the mother's placenta during childbirth.

The World Health Organization(WHO) had said last week that new mothers infected with coronavirus should generally continue breastfeeding and should not be separated from their babies.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "We know that children are at relatively low-risk of COVID-19, but are at high risk of numerous other diseases and conditions that breastfeeding prevents," while adding," based on the available evidence, WHO's advice is that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of COVID-19."&nbsp;

The WHO chief's view was seconded by another WHO official Anshu Banerjee who said that mothers with suspected or confirmed coronavirus should be encouraged to initiate and continue breastfeeding and not be separated from their infants.

US health authorities had earlier issued an alert over autoimmune condition among children that is believed to be linked to coronavirus. &nbsp;T

The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had said that multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) involved fever, inflamed organs causing severe illness which often required hospitalization.

A girl was born in Texas with coronavirus even as her mother was diagnosed with COVID-19 with doctors claiming that the infection can be transmitted in the womb.

A girl was born in Texas with coronavirus even as her mother was diagnosed with COVID-19 with doctors claiming that the infection can be transmitted in the womb. Also Read: Air pollution significantly contributes to rise in coronavirus infections and deaths The mother had tested positive for the virus a day after giving birth, the scientists studied the placenta of the woman and found traces of COVID-19. The baby reportedly developed fever and breathing difficulties which are the first signs of coronavirus and tested positive 24 to 48 hours later, reports claimed. After treatment with supplemental oxygen, the tests remained positive but 21 days later both mother and baby recovered and were sent home. Earlier, newborn triplets in Mexico had tested positive for coronavirus even though doctors claimed that the parents hadn't contracted the virus. However, doctors had suspected that the triplets could have got infected in the womb through the mother's placenta during pregnancy. Experts earlier hadn't ruled out the transmission of the virus from the mother's placenta during childbirth. The World Health Organization(WHO) had said last week that new mothers infected with coronavirus should generally continue breastfeeding and should not be separated from their babies. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "We know that children are at relatively low-risk of COVID-19, but are at high risk of numerous other diseases and conditions that breastfeeding prevents," while adding," based on the available evidence, WHO's advice is that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh any potential risks of transmission of COVID-19." The WHO chief's view was seconded by another WHO official Anshu Banerjee who said that mothers with suspected or confirmed coronavirus should be encouraged to initiate and continue breastfeeding and not be separated from their infants. US health authorities had earlier issued an alert over autoimmune condition among children that is believed to be linked to coronavirus. T The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had said that multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) involved fever, inflamed organs causing severe illness which often required hospitalization.

Doctors claim coronavirus can be contracted in womb after baby born with virus in US

The World Health Organisation has said that it is studying a possible link between COVID-19 and illness similar to Kawasaki disease that has sickened and killed children in Europe and the US. Watch report.

WHO: Children at risk from illness linked to COVID-19

While, coronavirus guidelines across the world are encouraging people to wear masks experts in Japan have now said that face masks can be dangerous for children below the age of 2 as they increase the risk of choking and heat strokes in infants. 
&nbsp; 
According to Japan's pediatric association, children have narrow air passages and masks increase the burden on their hearts. 
&nbsp; 
Japanese parents have been warned against using masks for children under the age of 2.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/gravitas-is-your-child-safe-in-a-mask-301420/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Researchers believe&nbsp;that all infants do not need masks because they are relatively at low risk of contracting the virus. 
&nbsp; 
There have been very few cases of serious coronavirus among children and there have been almost no outbreaks at day care facilities. 
&nbsp; 
The US&nbsp;Center for Disease Control too has advised parents against using cloth face coverings on children below&nbsp; two years old. 
&nbsp; 
The American academy of pediatrics has sent out a similar advisory.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But the question arises that what if parents do not want to take a risk?

If masks are not the best option, how must babies be protected when at a crowded place or surrounded by potentially infected adults?

A&nbsp;hospital in Bangkok has come with the perfect solution by gearing&nbsp;newborns with tiny face guards. 
&nbsp; 
The transparent shields guard a baby's face without covering it. There is&nbsp;also enough room for ventilation. 
&nbsp; 
Similar shields were also given to babies at a Costa Rica hospital. 
&nbsp; 
However, parents must&nbsp;consult a healthcare professional before using any protective gear on infants.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

While, coronavirus guidelines across the world are encouraging people to wear masks experts in Japan have now said that face masks can be dangerous for children below the age of 2 as they increase the risk of choking and heat strokes in infants.

While, coronavirus guidelines across the world are encouraging people to wear masks experts in Japan have now said that face masks can be dangerous for children below the age of 2 as they increase the risk of choking and heat strokes in infants. According to Japan's pediatric association, children have narrow air passages and masks increase the burden on their hearts. Japanese parents have been warned against using masks for children under the age of 2. Researchers believe that all infants do not need masks because they are relatively at low risk of contracting the virus. There have been very few cases of serious coronavirus among children and there have been almost no outbreaks at day care facilities. The US Center for Disease Control too has advised parents against using cloth face coverings on children below two years old. The American academy of pediatrics has sent out a similar advisory. But the question arises that what if parents do not want to take a risk? If masks are not the best option, how must babies be protected when at a crowded place or surrounded by potentially infected adults? A hospital in Bangkok has come with the perfect solution by gearing newborns with tiny face guards. The transparent shields guard a baby's face without covering it. There is also enough room for ventilation. Similar shields were also given to babies at a Costa Rica hospital. However, parents must consult a healthcare professional before using any protective gear on infants.

Wearing masks increases risk of choking and heat strokes in infants: Experts

UNICEF published a report on Tuesday saying an additional 6,000 children could die every day from preventable causes over the next six months as the coronavirus pandemic continues to weaken health systems and disrupt routine services.

The report from the UN&nbsp;children's agency is based on an analysis by researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, newly published in the Lancet global health journal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-face-greater-risk-from-coronavirus-than-previously-expected-says-study-298204" hreflang="en">Children face greater risk from coronavirus than previously expected, says study</a>

Global disruption of essential maternal and child health interventions, such as&nbsp;family planning, childbirth and postnatal care, child delivery and vaccinations, could lead to an additional 1.2 million deaths of children under five in just six months.

The analysis, which looks at three modelled scenarios in low- and middle-income countries, warns that in the most optimistic scenario, where health services are reduced by about 15 per cent, there would be a 9.8&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;increase in under-five child deaths, an estimated 1,400 a day, and a jump of 8.3&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;in maternal deaths.

In the worst-case scenario, where health services are reduced by about 45 per cent, there could be as much as a 44.7&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;increase in under-five child deaths and a 38.6&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;increase in maternal deaths per month.

This projected figure is in addition to the 2.5 million children who die globally every six months before their fifth birthday, and threatens to reverse nearly a decade of progress on ending preventable child deaths according to UNICEF.

UNICEF published a report on Tuesday saying an additional 6,000 children could die every day from preventable causes over the next six months as the coronavirus pandemic continues to weaken health systems and disrupt routine services.

UNICEF published a report on Tuesday saying an additional 6,000 children could die every day from preventable causes over the next six months as the coronavirus pandemic continues to weaken health systems and disrupt routine services. The report from the UN children's agency is based on an analysis by researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, newly published in the Lancet global health journal. Also read: Children face greater risk from coronavirus than previously expected, says study Global disruption of essential maternal and child health interventions, such as family planning, childbirth and postnatal care, child delivery and vaccinations, could lead to an additional 1.2 million deaths of children under five in just six months. The analysis, which looks at three modelled scenarios in low- and middle-income countries, warns that in the most optimistic scenario, where health services are reduced by about 15 per cent, there would be a 9.8 per cent increase in under-five child deaths, an estimated 1,400 a day, and a jump of 8.3 per cent in maternal deaths. In the worst-case scenario, where health services are reduced by about 45 per cent, there could be as much as a 44.7 per cent increase in under-five child deaths and a 38.6 per cent increase in maternal deaths per month. This projected figure is in addition to the 2.5 million children who die globally every six months before their fifth birthday, and threatens to reverse nearly a decade of progress on ending preventable child deaths according to UNICEF.

Coronavirus can lead to death of 6,000 children everyday: UNICEF