In March 2020, when the world came to a halt, one key thought provided some comfort to parents everywhere: children are largely safe from COVID-19. Initially, it appeared that kids were spared from the pandemic’s most severe consequences. However, we’ve since discovered that this notion isn’t as reliable as we once believed. While children generally handle the virus better than adults, some can experience long-term effects, known as COVID long-haulers, where they suffer symptoms for weeks or even months after recovering. Additionally, kids can develop Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a rare but serious complication that can lead to organ failure or even death. Hospitalization is a possibility for all children, regardless of pre-existing health conditions.
Currently, Michigan is witnessing a troubling rise in pediatric hospitalizations. As of late March, COVID cases among children surged by 133 percent compared to the previous month, with 49 children hospitalized on April 12 for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases. “The state is experiencing a record high for pediatric hospitalizations during the entire pandemic, and our facility reflects that,” stated Dr. Ben Andrews, a pediatric nephrologist at Children’s Hospital of Michigan and the group chief medical officer for the Detroit Medical Center.
Children with underlying medical conditions are particularly impacted by this spike in cases. Dr. Sarah Thompson, an emergency medicine physician and division chief of children’s emergency medicine at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, remarked, “We’re seeing an increase in the number of patients admitted with baseline conditions, such as asthma or Crohn’s disease, who are now coming in with COVID.”
The Cause of the Alarming Increase in Pediatric Cases
The cause of this alarming increase in pediatric cases remains unclear, but several theories have emerged.
Schools and Sports May Contribute to the Rise
During the initial wave of the pandemic, Michigan imposed strict lockdown measures, including closing schools and halting sports. This significantly limited children’s opportunities for interaction. In November, when cases surged again, similar measures were reinstated. However, the current situation differs. While the governor has suggested schools pause in-person learning for two weeks and recommended a halt to sports, no mandates have been enforced. Consequently, cases linked to schools and youth sports have escalated. The Detroit News reported a 77% increase in cases since mid-February, largely attributed to youth sports.
Transmissible Variants Are a Concern
Variants of the virus have begun spreading in the U.S., with the CDC confirming that the B.1.1.7 variant, first identified in the U.K., is now the predominant source of new infections nationwide. “Michigan has one of the highest rates of the B.1.1.7 variant,” noted Dr. Andrews. This variant is more transmissible, which likely contributes to the current surge in pediatric cases. Some experts even suggest that this variant may lead to more severe illness, although more research is needed. In the U.K., a surge associated with the B.1.1.7 variant resulted in a 30% increase in hospitalizations within a week.
Potential Rise in MIS-C Cases
As COVID-19 cases among young people rise, concerns grow about a corresponding increase in MIS-C cases. Dr. Laura Martin, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, stated, “With the growing number of COVID-19 cases in children, we anticipate more instances of MIS-C at our facility.” MIS-C is a serious condition that can develop weeks after a COVID infection and is more frequently seen in previously healthy children than in those with existing medical conditions. Although MIS-C is rare and generally treatable, the long-term effects remain largely unknown.
As of late March, Michigan had reported 95 MIS-C cases, with five resulting in fatalities.
The Importance of Vaccination for Adults
Currently, over 60% of individuals aged 65 and older in Michigan are vaccinated. However, children under 16 still cannot receive vaccines. This means that kids will remain vulnerable to infection for the foreseeable future. Therefore, it is essential for adults in the community to take protective measures, including wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and getting vaccinated as soon as possible. The less virus circulating, the better it is for everyone.
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Summary:
Michigan is facing a concerning rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations among children, with a 133% increase in cases since March. Pediatric hospitalizations have reached record highs, particularly impacting medically vulnerable children. The increase is believed to be influenced by ongoing in-person school activities and youth sports. The B.1.1.7 variant is prevalent in the state, further exacerbating the situation. As the risk of MIS-C cases rises, it remains crucial for adults to mitigate infection risk through vaccination and safety measures.
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