Even as the country recorded a total of 16,055 illnesses and 25 fatalities overnight on Friday, “At the start of this fourth wave, we’re seeing quite a strong increase across all age groups, but particularly in the under-fives,” said Dr Waasila Jassat of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) at a Health Ministry press conference on Friday.
South African doctors expressed concern over the increased incidence of COVID-19 infections among young children. “In the past, we have never seen youngsters who were significantly affected by the Covid pandemic (yet) did not have numerous admissions” (to hospitals). More children under the age of five and teenagers were admitted during the third wave.
“The particular increase in hospital admissions in youngsters under the age of five years is a trend that we are seeing now that is different from what we saw previously,” Jassat remarked.
Dr. Michelle Groome, also of the NICD, indicated that more research would be done to figure out why this is happening.
“The wave is still in its early stages. It has only recently begun in the younger age groups, and we will learn more in the coming weeks by closely watching this age group.
“All we have to do now is emphasize the significance of surge preparedness, which should include paediatric beds and staff”. A contingency plan has been put in place across South Africa, according to Dr. Ramphelane Morewane of the National Department of Health, to ensure that hospitals never run out of oxygen during the fourth wave.
