"If High Fever and Dehydration Appear, Go to the Emergency Room Quickly" 4 Children Died in July Alone

Among 27 Child Deaths, 4 Died from COVID-19 in One Month
Health Authorities Warn "High Fever and Dehydration Leading to Consciousness Decline Are Dangerous"

Health center medical staff are checking the specimen container. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Gunchan] In the past month, four children have died from COVID-19. Health authorities urged that if confirmed children show high fever or dehydration symptoms, they should visit medical institutions promptly.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 4th, a total of four COVID-19 deaths among children aged 10 or younger were reported in July. Two cases occurred in Gyeonggi Province, and one each in Sejong City and Gwangju Metropolitan City.

On the 11th of last month, a first-grade elementary school child in Anyang City, Gyeonggi Province, was confirmed with COVID-19 and died after being transferred to the emergency room due to worsening condition during home treatment. On the 15th, a third-grade elementary school child in Sejong City, who was confirmed positive and showed high fever and convulsions, was moved to the emergency room for treatment but died the next day. Both deceased children were found to have no underlying health conditions.

On the 12th of last month, another child aged 10 or younger living in Gyeonggi died after receiving emergency room treatment following a COVID-19 diagnosis. A child in Gwangju showed suspected COVID-19 symptoms, was confirmed positive at a hospital emergency room, and died the following day. The underlying conditions of these two deceased children have not yet been confirmed. The CDCH is currently analyzing their medical records and remaining specimens.

Lee Sang-won, head of the CDCH Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Division, said, "We are analyzing possibilities such as reinfection or antibody overreaction," adding, "The cause of death requires a comprehensive review of test results." In children and young people, a rare but rapid deterioration can occur due to an immune overreaction known as a 'cytokine storm.'

The CDCH announced that as of midnight on the day, the cumulative number of COVID-19 deaths reached 25,191. Among them, 27 were children aged 10 or younger. Until now, the possibility of children dying from COVID-19 infection has been considered very low. Most children infected with COVID-19 have been reported to experience asymptomatic or mild symptoms.

Health authorities urged that children confirmed with COVID-19 who exhibit high fever or dehydration symptoms should immediately visit a hospital.

Baek Kyung-ran, head of the CDCH (Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency), said at a regular briefing on the 4th, "If confirmed infants and toddlers have a fever that cannot be controlled with antipyretics or experience consciousness decline due to dehydration, it can be dangerous, so it is better to visit a medical institution for treatment."

Lee Sang-won, head of the CDCH Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Division, explained, "Infants and toddlers infected with COVID-19 should be closely observed for a certain period," adding, "If symptoms suddenly worsen, rather than hesitating, it is important to quickly visit a medical institution for testing and treatment."

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