Comparison of clinical severity and epidemiological spectrum between coronavirus disease 2019 and influenza in children.

Data on the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children are limited, and studies from Europe are scarce. We analyzed the clinical severity and epidemiologic aspects of COVID-19 in consecutive children aged 0-18 years, referred with a suspicion of COVID-19 between February 1, and April 15, 2020. RT-PCR on a nasopharyngeal swab was used to confirm COVID-19. 319 children met the criteria of a suspected case. COVID-19 was diagnosed in 15/319 (4.7%) patients (8 male; mean age 10.5 years). All of them had household contact with an infected relative. Five (33.3%) patients were asymptomatic. In 9/15 (60.0%) children, the course of the disease was mild, and in 1/15 (6.7%), it was moderate, with the following symptoms: fever (46.7%), cough (40%), diarrhea (20%), vomiting (13.3%), rhinitis (6.7%), and shortness of breath (6.7%). In the COVID-19-negative patients, other infections were confirmed, including influenza in 32/319 (10%). The clinical course of COVID-19 and influenza differed significantly based on the clinical presentation. In conclusion, the clinical course of COVID-19 in children is usually mild or asymptomatic. In children suspected of having COVID-19, other infections should not be overlooked. The main risk factor for COVID-19 in children is household contact with an infected relative.

[Mumps--an underestimated disease]. / Swinka--niedoceniona choroba.

UNLABELLED: In countries, where vaccination against mumps is not obligatory, epidemic increase in morbidity is observed every 4-5 years. In Poland vaccination had not been obligatory until 2004. Year 2004 was an epidemic year--135,178 cases were reported. In 2005 (up to 31.07.05) 64,062 cases were noted and many hospitalizations. The aim was analysis of clinical course of mumps in children hospitalized between 1.01.04 and 31.07.05. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 292 children in age from 11 months to 16 years, 90 (30,8%) girls and 202 (69,2%) boys. Diagnosis of mumps was based on typical clinical picture, history of exposure and amylase activity in serum and urine. 111/292 (38%) children were referred to the hospital with suspicion of meningitis: in 68/292 (23,3%) lymphocytic meningitis was diagnosed (49 boys and 19 girls) and in 43 meningeal signs were not observed. Orchitis was observed in 48/202 (23,76%) boys 12-16 years old, in 3 of them both testes were affected. In 3 boys meningitis and orchitis were diagnosed, in one of them with encephalitic symptoms. 73/292 (25%) children were admitted to the hospital because of emesis and dehydration. 43/292 were hospitalized with suspicion of meningitis. 15 children were admitted because of high fever with poor response for antipyretics. In two children unilateral deafness was observed. In two children edema of subcutaneous tissue of upper chest. In remaining cases mumps was diagnosed in children with hematologic and oncologic diseases, kidney failure, congenital defects. CONCLUSIONS: Complications of mumps and need for hospitalization in children with mumps still are problems of public health. The only method of prophylaxis is accurate vaccination pragramme.