34,606 children in Assam infected with COVID-19

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: From April 1 to June 26 this year, the total COVID-infected persons in Assam have been over 2.80 lakh. Out of this, 34,606 are within the age group of 0 to 18 years. Further analysis showed that a total of 5,755 cases belong to less than 5 years.

Kamrup Metro has the highest caseload of 5,346 children. This stands at 10.04% of the total caseload of 53,251 in the district.

Dibrugarh follows next with 2,430 children infected with the COVID-19 against a caseload of 19,937.

Nagaon is placed third with the infection of 2,288 children against the total caseload of 15,910 in the district.

Kamrup rural is placed fourth with the infection of 2,023 COVID cases against the total 17,216 cases in the district.

Sonitpur is fifth with 1,839 children infected with the COVID-19 against the total caseload of 13,239 in the district.

Similarly, different districts have more or fewer numbers of COVID infected persons belonging to less than 18 years of age group.

From 1st April till 26th June 2021 the State has reported 34 deaths of children many of whom having comorbidities like congenital diseases (heart, kidney, rare malformations etc), especially among less than 5 years.

During the ongoing Assam Community Surveillance Program Phase 3 (ACSP 3), many children staying with COVID positive parents/guardians who have opted for Home Isolation were subsequently tested COVID positive.

The Health Department, therefore, advised the parents/guardians who have tested COVID positive should preferably opt for institutional quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among children.

Talking to the media, Health Minister Keshab Mahanta said, "Already as a slew of steps has been initiated to address and manage COVID infection among the vulnerable age groups. The establishment of COVID Paediatric ICUs in all medical colleges and district hospitals are at advanced stages. More than 5,000 healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses and paramedical staff have been trained and are dealing with the patients so that we can save maximum lives. 108 ambulances have also been trained to transport such infected children with appropriate care.

"In the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) 300 paediatric beds with oxygen support will be reserved for child COVID patients. We're contemplating segregating babies from their COVID-infected mothers."

Also Read: 42 die of COVID-19 in Assam on Monday, 164 new cases reported in Kamrup (M)