Abstract
Background: Family clustering has facilitated the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and the outflows of people from Wuhan to their hometown has become the most important transmission channel in China. The study aimed to investigate the SARS-CoV-2 infection of an entire family, especially children. Methods: This family case study was conducted in General Mountain Hospital, Guizhou Province. In January 2020, we recruited a family of 13 members, including three children and nine adults, at different stages, from admission screening to discharge. We used standardized case report forms to collect clinical data between January 16, 2020 and March 1, 2020. These data included temperature, contact history, incubation period, laboratory test results, imaging results, length of hospital stay, and treatment outcomes. Results: Eight cases had confirmed diagnoses of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including three mild cases (37.5%) and five common cases (62.5%). The child patient had the shortest length of hospital stay and less obvious symptoms. There was no significant difference between the laboratory test results and CT scans. Conclusions: Children are not susceptible to virus infection in their families. Compared with adult patients, pediatric patients have milder symptoms, shorter hospital stays, and lower risk of lung infections. As this cannot confirm whether their nucleic acid amplification tests are negative or positive after discharge, the management and control of discharged patients should therefore be paid additional attention.
Patient with anemia (clinical case study)
