34,000 children in Assam infected with coronavirus; 38 dead: Health Minister

GUWAHATI: Amid apprehensions that the next wave of COVID-19 could prove dangerous for children, Assam's health minister has revealed that around 36,000 have been infected to date. While 2,890 chidren are 'active' with the virus, 38 children passed away (till June 30).

The minister, Keshab Mahanta, made the revelation at a presser announcing SOPs for the next phase lockdown to arrest the virus spread. "Almost 36,000 children have been infected so far," Mahanta said.

The health minister added that most of the children who died were suffering from other co-morbid conditions.

Although people with pre-existing conditions and older people, appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus, many children across the country have gotten sick with the virus, while many have succumbed.

The Lancet COVID-19 Commission India Task Force, which includes prominent pediatric experts from all across the country, states that there is no evidence to suggest that children will be worst hit by an anticipated third wave.

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However, it can be argued that the second wave has been far more dangerous for children and if these trends continue to hold up, the third wave could be even more disastrous.

Till June 18, over 5,000 children under the age of 14 in Meghalaya have tested Covid-19 positive and 17 of them died, the government revealed.

In Assam too, more and more children are getting infected by the pathogen. Some have tragically passed away.

Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) superintendent Abhijeet Sharma last week said that the premier health facility has registered at least 9 minor deaths in the second phase of the pandemic.

Dr. Sharma said that from April of 2021 to June 28, 135 minors were admitted to the hospital, adding as many as 9 minor patients passed away while they were being treated.

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