(1/5) Viral load study in 12 children aged 27d-16y from South Korea with mild #COVID19 (3 were asymptomatic). Positive test in nasopharyngeal swabs (100%), faeces (92%), saliva (73%), urine (17%), & plasma (8%).
➡️ No correlation between viral load & age.
wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26…
➡️ No correlation between viral load & age.
wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26…
(2/5) Symptomatic children had higher viral loads in nasopharyngeal swab specimens than asymptomatic children.
However, symptomatic and asymptomatic children did not differ with regard to viral load in faeces or saliva.
However, symptomatic and asymptomatic children did not differ with regard to viral load in faeces or saliva.
(3/5) Levels of viral RNA declined rapidly in saliva (80% positive in week 1, 33% in week 2, 11% in week 3), slower in nasopharyngeal swabs (75% in week 2, 55% in week 3), and were prolonged in faecal samples. Viral load in faecal samples was higher than nasopharyngeal swabs.
(4/5) The authors only measured #SARSCoV2 viral RNA, and did not assess whether infectious virus was present.
However, the authors state their findings "suggest the necessity for children to wear masks, especially in schools, where children would talk in close proximity."
However, the authors state their findings "suggest the necessity for children to wear masks, especially in schools, where children would talk in close proximity."
(5/5) Infectious virus has been isolated in faecal samples from adult patients.
Given prolonged shedding of viral RNA is observed in children, precautions to avoid faecal-oral transmission should be taken, including appropriate hygiene in toilets and when changing infants.
Given prolonged shedding of viral RNA is observed in children, precautions to avoid faecal-oral transmission should be taken, including appropriate hygiene in toilets and when changing infants.
