Preliminary clinical characteristics of Pediatric Covid-19 cases during the ongoing Omicron XBB.1.16 driven surge in a north Indian city

Abstract

ABSTRACTIndia is experiencing a new surge in Covid-19 cases in most parts of the country. A new sub-variant of Omicron, XBB.1.16 which is far more aggressive and immune evasive than other sub-lineages of Omicron, is responsible for this outbreak. In this preliminary account, we describe key clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infected children, visiting an outdoor department of a pediatric hospital in a north Indian city. Our preliminary findings show a higher involvement of young infants than older children and mild respiratory illness predominates other presentations. One interesting finding was the presence of itchy, non-purulent conjunctivitis with mucoid discharge and stickiness of eyelids in 42.8% of positive infants. None of the children required hospitalization. All recovered with symptomatic treatment.Key findingsThe current ongoing XBB.1.16 driven surge of Covid-19 is causing mild febrile illness in children in IndiaYoung infants are disproportionately more affected than older children.Unlike the previous BA.2 Omicron wave, respiratory symptoms are predominating the clinical presentation in young infants in the ongoing surge.Conjunctival involvement is seen in 42.8% of affected infants.