Significantly lower infection fatality rates associated with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) infection in children and young people: Active, prospective national surveillance, January-March 2022, England. Issue 4 (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hani, Erjola; Bertran, Marta; Powell, Annabel; Williams, Hannah; Birrell, Paul; DeAngelis, Daniela; Ramsay, Mary E; Oligbu, Godwin; Ladhani, Shamez N
• Is Part Of: Journal of infection. Volume 86:Issue 4(2023)
• Page Start: 397
• Page End: 398
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Infection -- Periodicals; Bacterial Infections -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2023.01.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-4453

Abstract

Highlights: Children and young people (CYP) have a low risk of severe or fatal COVID-19. The Omicron wave since late 2021 was associated with very low infection rates in CYP. The infection fatality rate following Omicron infection was 2 per million infections. Infection fatality rate was 7-fold lower with Omicron than the first pandemic wave. Most deaths occurred in CYP with severe comorbidities, especially neurodisabilities.