There are instances when these health conditions came about weeks after testing positive for COVID-19, and some succumbed to related complications even after turning negative, added experts, calling for a detailed research. 

As on Friday, 23,995 children below 12 years have tested positive in Tamil Nadu. “We have seen about 20-30 cases where they developed multiple inflammatory syndrome, which disrupts the functioning of other organs. Children who develop severe inflammation in certain organs require treatment even after a month of testing positive, or even after turning negative,” said Dr Mohan Kumar, paediatrician, Institute of Child Health, Egmore. 

Another common observation is that the viral load is higher in elder children when compared to infants. 

“Observations on children treated for COVID-19 over past eight months indicate that infants have better immunity while the severity of symptoms is more among children above six. However, comorbidities, and other viral and bacterial infections also play a major contributing factor for complications even after the child tests negative,” said Dr S Srinivasan, State Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Coordinator. 

Experts added that more research was required to find the reason for the change in the virus’s effect in children. 

“Infants appear to be at low risk; breastfeeding and better immunity could be the factors. We are witnessing rare occurrences of haemorrhagic fever, seizures, pneumonia and other COVID-related complications that lead to death among children who test positive. 

However, more academic research has to be done to find all responsible factors,” added Dr Benny Benjamin, paediatrician, Fortis Malar Hospital.