ABSTRACT
To determine the characteristics of pediatric patients 0-19 years of age who died after onset of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Japan during January 1-September 30, 2022, we reviewed multiple sources. We identified 62 cases, collected detailed information from medical records and death certificates, and conducted interviews, resulting in 53 patients with detailed information for our study. Among 46 patients with internal causes of death (i.e., not external causes such as trauma), 15% were <1 year of age, 59% had no underlying disease, and 88% eligible for vaccination were unvaccinated. Nonrespiratory symptoms were more common than respiratory symptoms. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest affected 46% of patients, and time from symptom onset to death was <7 days for 77%. Main suspected causes of death were central nervous system abnormalities (35%) and cardiac abnormalities (20%). We recommend careful follow-up of pediatric patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first week after symptom onset, regardless of underlying diseases.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , COVID-19/mortality , COVID-19/epidemiology , Child, Preschool , Infant , Child , Japan/epidemiology , Female , Male , Adolescent , Infant, Newborn , Young AdultABSTRACT
Based on national surveillance data, we describe an unprecedented increase in syphilis case reports in Japan, with a surge in 2021-2022 reaching 10141 cases in Week 42, 2022, a 1.7-fold increase over the same period in 2021. This already represented the highest annual case count in nearly half a century; by Week 52, 2022, the number reached 12 966, far surpassing the 7978 cases in 2021. Predominantly affecting heterosexual men and young women, the proportionate increase in primary and secondary syphilis cases suggests a true increase in incidence. The syphilis surge during the pandemic poses a serious public health concern and underscores the importance of adequate testing and preventive measures.