Among 10 hospitalized patients from the Omicron epicenter, 1 is under 2 years old

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] It has been reported that 10% of COVID-19 hospitalized patients in the Tshwane region of South Africa, the origin of the new Omicron variant, are children under the age of 2.

Bloomberg News cited the South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases on the 29th (local time), reporting, "As South Africa enters the fourth wave, more infants are being hospitalized."

Since Omicron was first discovered in Botswana on the 11th, it has spread in South Africa and throughout Europe. Countries around the world are strengthening entry restrictions and taking other measures in response.

South African doctors have stated that symptoms of the Omicron variant are generally mild. However, infants have vulnerable immune systems and are not vaccinated, making them more exposed to risks.

However, the high hospitalization rate among infants also reflects parents' concerns about the new variant. A local expert said, "Parents tend to hospitalize their children as a precaution, fearing something might go wrong during home treatment."

During the third wave caused by the Delta variant, 43% of hospitalized patients were under 19 years old. A local expert stated, "In the fourth wave, the hospitalization rate of infants and young children is higher than in the third wave."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.