Prevalence and risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with and without symptoms seeking care in Managua, Nicaragua: results of a cross-sectional survey

Author:

Huete-Pérez Jorge AORCID,Ernst Kacey C,Cabezas-Robelo Cristiana,Páiz-Medina Lucia,Silva Sheyla,Huete Alejandra

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to capture key epidemiological data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in Nicaraguan children (≤18 years) seeking medical care, between 6 October and 16 November 2020.DesignIn this cross-sectional study, 418 children were recruited: 319 with symptoms characteristic of COVID-19 and 99 with no symptoms of illness. Children were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using loop-mediated isothermal amplification. A questionnaire was employed to identify symptoms, risk factors, comorbidities and COVID-19 prevention measures.SettingResearch was carried out in four hospitals and two clinics in Managua, Nicaragua, where schools and businesses remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.ParticipantsChildren were enrolled into a possible COVID-19 group if presenting with clinical symptoms. A comparison group included children lacking any COVID-19 symptoms attending routine check-ups or seeking care for issues unrelated to COVID-19.ResultsA high prevalence (43%) of SARS-CoV-2 infection was found, which was relatively equivalent in symptomatic and non-symptomatic children. Age distribution was similar between symptomatic and non-symptomatic children testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. Symptomatic children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were 2.7 times more likely to have diarrhoea (26.7% in positive vs 12.0% in negative; OR=2.7 (95% CI 1.5 to 4.8), p=0.001) and were 2.0 times more likely to have myalgia (17.8% in positive vs 9.8% in negative; OR=2.0 (95% CI 1.0 to 3.8), p=0.04). Children with COVID-19 symptoms, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, were more likely to be under age 5 years and to have a pre-existing comorbid condition than children who tested positive but did not have symptoms.ConclusionsThis is the first paediatric study to provide laboratory-confirmed data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in Nicaragua, crucial for paediatric health services planning and a successful COVID-19 response. The high prevalence of the virus suggests widespread and sustained community transmission, underscoring the urgent need for robust data on the true extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection throughout Nicaragua.

Publisher

BMJ

Subject

General Medicine

Reference44 articles.

1. World Health Organization . WHO coronavirus disease (COVID-19) dashboard [online]. Geneva, 2020. https://covid19.who.int/

2. Díaz López K . Vacunas contra el Covid-19 en Nicaragua: Cuántas tiene aseguradas el país para los próximos días [ Vaccines against Covid-19 in Nicaragua: how many has the country secured for the next few days]. La Prensa [online], 2021. Available: https://www.laprensa.com.ni/2021/02/28/nacionales/2790405-vacunas-contra-el-covid-19-en-nicaragua-cuantas-tiene-aseguradas-el-pais-para-los-proximos-dias

3. Citizen Observatory . Observatorio Ciudadano COVID-19 en Nicaragua. Informe Semanal 11/02/2021 al 17/02/2021 [Citizen Observatory COVID-19 weekly report in Nicaragua 02/11/2021 to 02/17/2021 [online]. Available: https://observatorioni.org/informes-notas-y-semanales/ [Accessed 25 Nov 2020].

4. Romero KT . Fatality in the country soared in 2020 due to the pandemic. Confidencial 2021 https://confidencial.com.ni/nacion/mortalidad-en-nicaragua-aumento-en-2020-COVID-19/

5. COVID-19 in the Americas and the erosion of human rights for the poor;Hotez;PLoS Negl Trop Dis,2020

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3