How contagious children are with Covid-19 is controversial. According to US researchers, every second child who tests positive could infect a family member.
So far, it has been assumed that children do not pose a high risk of infection with a Covid 19 infection – one of the reasons that in Germany, for example, most schools are allowed to remain open. US researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are now shaking this assumption with the results of a small study: According to their data, every second child infected with the coronvirus could infect at least one other family member. The risk is therefore highest among children under twelve.
High infection rate among children
Overall, the infection rate among children under twelve was 53 percent; children between the ages of twelve and 17 infected at least one other family member in around 38 percent of the cases. The infection rate is particularly high in the first five days after the appearance of typical Covid symptoms. Important to know: Only 101 US households with a total of 191 household members took part in the study. Therefore, the data is only of limited use.
Researchers recommend isolation
Based on the data, the researchers recommend that a person infected with the coronavirus should isolate themselves in their own household in a room and, if possible, even use their own bathroom. What is certainly ugly for young children, but is at least somehow feasible, is likely to present the parents of small children with an insoluble task. The researchers' second tip is easier to implement: All members of a household should wear a mask in their own four walls in the event of a positive Corona case, if the distance cannot be guaranteed. Close contacts should also be quarantined if possible voluntarily.
Federal Office of Public Health is monitoring the study situation
The Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) has so far assumed a low risk of transmission from children. It says: "Children under the age of 12 are mostly infected with the new coronavirus from adults. However, they rarely transmit the virus to other people themselves. Children over the age of twelve and adults contribute increasingly to the transmission of the virus."
However, the study situation will continue to be observed, Daniel Dauwalder, press spokesman for the BAG, responded to an inquiry from "20.min.ch": "New studies on Covid-19 appear every day. We follow developments and adjust our recommendations if necessary."