MADISON, Wisconsin (WMTV) — Wisconsin hospital workers say the number of childhood COVID-19 cases continues to rise steadily, as does the number of pediatric patients hospitalized with the virus.
Children’s Wisconsin released COVID-19 trend data on Wednesday, noting that a large number of children across the state and in the hospital continue to test positive. During the week of September 22-28, 12 pediatric patients were hospitalized with COVID-19. That is two more than the week before and seven more than two weeks before.
dr. Michael Gutzeit, chief medical officer, urged families to implement COVID-19 mitigation policies to stop the coronavirus and other viruses.
“I encourage families and school districts to strengthen the use of masks to reduce the spread of viruses, especially as we see a continued increase in COVID-19 and rhinovirus,” said Dr. Gutzeit. “Masks are our best tool for limiting disruptions to the school year.”
The hospital says most of the children it has seen have had mild symptoms of the virus, but children can still spread the coronavirus to others and its long-term effects are currently unknown.
dr. Gutzeit said vaccination will be a future option for mitigation in children under the age of 12.
“We are encouraged by the progress of the COVID-19 vaccine, reported by Pfizer-BioNTech, and look forward to being able to vaccinate children ages 5-11,” said Dr. Gutzeit.
The hospital added that other respiratory illnesses, such as RSV, are also on the rise and are slightly higher than compared to last year’s levels.
In addition to wearing masks, Children’s Wisconsin recommends that families keep their distance, wash their hands properly, and work or attend school only when they feel good.
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