Mumbai: The first BMC pediatric survey results show 51.18% of the children surveyed have antibodies with SARS-COV-2 which caused Covid, eliminating fears that the third wave might affect children.
The presence of antibodies in the blood reveals past and more important infections, shows the person has immunity to the same infection for several periods.
The pediatric survey was conducted by the Nair Hospital doctor managed by BMC, with 2,176 samples collected from 24 civil wardes in the city.
The survey began on April 1, when the second covid wave peaked, and continued until June 15, said the head of the Nair Hospital Microbiology Dr.
Jayanthi Shastri.
At 53.4%, the highest sero-positivity in 10-14 age groups, the first BMC pediatric survey showed more than 50% of the children surveyed had antibodies.
To get pictures of all levels of socio-economic, 1,283 samples were taken from the BMC-Run Aapli Chikitsa Network and Nair Hospital that offered a free test, while 893 samples were taken from two private labs.
“There is a fear that children will be most vulnerable during the third wave because they will be the only part that is not vaccinated against Covid-19, encouraging us to conduct a survey that will provide answers,” Head of the Nair Dr.
Hospital Microbiology.
Jayanthi Shastri.
Commissioner BMC I S Chahal said the results were released on Monday, as “encouraging.” The survey results showed an overall sero-positive 51.18% among children.
More children from the economically weaker parts (54.36%) have antibodies compared to 47.03% of relatively prosperous sectors.
The highest sero-positivity in the age group was 10-14 (53.43%) and the lowest in the age group 1-to-4 (51.04%).
In the age group 10-14, more children carry out their tests in the public sector (58.3%) have antibodies than in the private sector (46.8%).
Incidentally, the recent SERO survey in Delhi also showed 59.3% of children had a previous virus exposure.
When a pandemic starts, it is believed to be immune from the SARS-COV-2 virus.
But then established children become infected by viruses such as adults, but they are mostly without symptoms.
Commissioner BMC Chahal told Toi that more children had antibodies now than a few months ago.
The third survey was conducted in March, for example, showing 39.4% in the group under 18 years having antibodies.
A BMC doctor observed that more children would be exposed over the second wave.
Welcome the results, Vijay Yewale children, members of the Pediatric Negeri Task Force, said the main fear with vis-à-vis children is not the Covid-19 infection itself, but a little known rare complications called the multi-system inflammation disorder occurred a month After Covid.
“The majority of children get Covid-19-19 infections asymptomatic, but some of them can develop a serious MIS,” he said.
Other pediatricians said fear of the third wave had led the country to increase pediatric infrastructure in public hospitals.
Chahal said even though the exciting results, BMC would not lower the guard as far as the third covid wave.
The field hospital in Malad will have 200 pediatric oxygen beds and 50 pediatric ICU beds.
The four new field hospitals in Mahalaxmi, Worli, Kanjurmarg and Zion will have 15 children’s beds at all.
“We ensure that there is a booth made in a way for patients and parents can stay,” Chahal said.
Juhu Corporator Renu Hansraj said the results of the Sero survey were good, but it would still not be a good idea to open school before the children were vaccinated.