Statistical analysis of coronavirus (COVID-19) patients in Maharashtra, for the last six months, have revealed that not much has changed in the spread of infection among children. The data was released by the state health department which stated that approximately 0.07 per cent of children under the age of 18 were infected with coronavirus in May 2021, and the cases reported in young children has been less.
However, experts across the nation have have predicted that children will be affected in the third wave of coronavirus and keeping the suggestions and predictions in mind, the state government has decided to set up a task force with the help of pediatricians. Moreover, necessary measures and preparations are being planned to set up infrastructure and facilities at several hospitals for treatments.
As per reports, 1.3 per cent children between the age of zero to five were affected with COVID-19. On the other hand, 2.4 per cent from six to eleven years, 4.1 per cent from 12 to 17 years were infected with the virus, taking the total to 7.8 per cent.
Below mentioned are the figures from November 2020 to April 2021
| Month | 0-5 years (per cent) | 6-11 years (per cent) | 12-17 years (per cent) | Total (per cent) |
| November 2020 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 3.5 | 6.9 |
| December 2020 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 3.3 | 6.3 |
| January 2021 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 3.2 | 6.0 |
| February 2021 | 1.18 | 2 | 4.08 | 7.26 |
| March 2021 | 1.10 | 2.04 | 3.64 | 6.78 |
| April 2021 | 1.42 | 2.62 | 4.34 | 8.38 |
Also Read: How to protect children in the possible on-coming third wave of COVID-19?
Similar data has been observed in Ahmednagar district.
In March 2021, a total of 188 patients were affected in the age group of zero to five years, i.e. 1.01 per cent of the total patients. Meanwhile, 270 patients were in the age group of six to ten years, taking the tally to 1.45 per cent, 1173 patients in the age group of eleven to eighteen years with a tally of 6.28 per cent and 1631 patients in the age group of zero to 18 years, i.e. 8.74 percent.
In April 2021, 757 patients in the age group of zero to five years were infected, i.e. 0.98 per cent of the total patients. Meanwhile, 1510 patients were in the age group of six to ten years which was 1.95 per cent in total, 5340 patients in eleven to eighteen years, i.e. 6.90 per cent in total, and zero in the age group of 18 years. A total of 7607 patients were reported in the above age groups accounting to 9.83 per cent of the infected cases.
Also Read: Has the third wave of coronavirus already hit the state?
In May 2021, the civic body observed 1,076 patients in the age group of zero to five years, i.e. 1.33 per cent of the total patients, 1918 patients in the age group of six to ten years with 2.37 per cent, 6422 patients in the age group of eleven to eighteen years, i.e. 7.95 per cent. There were a total of 9416 patients in the above age group accounting to 11.65 per cent of all the cases.
These figures shows that the rate of infection in children has been the same and the pattern has not changed significantly. However, experts believe that the predicted wave could lead to paediatric infections and hence the respective bodies need to prepare and plan accordingly. State Health Minister Rajesh Tope, on May 27, announced a Paediatric Task Force which will consist of 13 experts from Maharashtra. The team will be chaired by renowned paediatrician Dr Suhas Prabhu.
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