SARS-CoV-2 infection in children: Clinical characteristics and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a private health center. Uruguay

Background: To date, the prevalence and severity of the COVID-19 disease in children is lower than in adults. There are controversies regarding the dynamics of transmission and the role they play in the spread of the disease. Aim: To describe the clinical characteristics and transmission dynamics of patients under 15 years of age reported for suspicion and/or contact for COVID-19 in the period March 13 - November 20, 2020, in a private comprehensive health provider (Medica Uruguaya Medical Assistance Corporation, MUCAM). Methods: Descriptive, retrospective study, in which clinical manifestations, epidemiological notion, secondary cases, severity and evolution are described. The risk and rate of secondary intradomiciliary attack were estimated. Results: 539 patients met the inclusion criteria. The diagnosis was confirmed in 29 (5.3%): 13 (7.0%) of the 351 symptomatic children and 16 (4.5%) of the 188 asymptomatic. 100% of the confirmed cases and 85% of the unconfirmed cases had the notion of contact (p < 0.05). The OR for infection from an indoor contact was 26.5 (9.8-71.7) and the rate of secondary indoor attack 23% +/- 4.1. Conclusions: In this series, mild and asymptomatic forms predominated in patients under 15 years of age. One in five exposed indoors contracted the disease, this notion of contact being decisive to indicate confirmatory studies. Most of the children did not continue the chain of transmission.