Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with SARS-CoV-2 infection: case series in Sinaloa

BackgroundThe SARS-CoV-2 virus may affect both adults and children. Although the disease, named COVID-19, has a lower prevalence in infancy and has been described as mild, the clinical characteristics may vary and there is a possibility of complications. ObjectivesTo describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric cases confirmed in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, during the first three months of the pandemic, and of children admitted with COVID-19 to a secondary hospital. MethodsThis case series includes all patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed by PCR testing, identified in the state epidemiological surveillance system between March 1 and May 31, 2020. Confirmed patients admitted to the Sinaloa Pediatric Hospital (HPS) during the same dates are also described. ResultsFifty one children with SARS-CoV-2 were included, 10 of the admitted to HPS. The median age was 10 years. The more frequent symptoms were fever (78%), cough (67%) and headache (57%). Most cases were mild or asymptomatic. Three patients with comorbidities died. Only 4 of 10 patients identified in HPS had been admitted with the diagnosis of possible COVID-19. ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 infection in children was mostly mild or asymptomatic, but with a wide range of clinical presentations.