Health experts in Oman have warned that children are also getting infected by the latest Covid-19 variants, unlike last year.
One of the primary reasons for the recent big surge in cases is the virus tightening its grip on young adults, including children.
"We are witnessing an increase in the percentage of infections in all age groups, especially from 30 to 50 years with some infections also reported among children aged 12 years and below," said Saif al Abri, director-general of disease surveillance and control, Ministry of Health on Thursday.
Mona bint Zaher al Shaqsiya of the pediatric intensive care unit at the Royal Hospital said that the number of children in intensive care is increasing and may exceed 50 per cent than before, adding that "one of the children died a few days ago, without us being able to do anything for him and save him."
“Last year, we had situations where one or two members of the family were getting infected, but this time the virus attacks the entire family, including children, in a short time,” said a doctor of a leading private hospital.
He added, “While most children manage to get away with symptoms like fever, cold, and body pain, they can be still a spreader, passing on the adults with other chronic diseases and health complications.”
The doctor said, “We do not suggest PCR tests for children, but if they show symptoms, it has to be seen as a positive case that requires isolation.”
Health experts have said that the only way to bring the situation control will be stepping up the pace of vaccination to include adults above 18 and even children, by advancing the earlier schedules for them.
Meanwhile, the MoH has issued a circular to private hospitals saying that Pfizer vaccines can be given to children above 12 years by following the requisite procedures.
Dr Zakaria al Balushi, the infectious disease consultant at Royal Hospital, said that hospitals are hosting young patients whose conditions are deteriorating very quickly despite the absence of chronic diseases.
He said, "In the past, we did not worry much about young patients, but the current mutant does not differentiate between a young and the elderly.
He advised people should not leave the house except in emergency cases and should make purchases enough to sustain themselves for an extended period. He urged the people in target groups to take the vaccine as soon as possible.
Al Balushi said, "If you are infected or in contact, do not contribute to spreading the virus by contact with others, do not allow its transmission between families."
According to Dr Maher bin Jaafar al Bahrani, assistant director-general for Medical Affairs at the Royal Hospital, more than 80 cases depend on artificial respirators and that these numbers are unprecedented and dangerous.
Royal Hospital, which has over 150 Covid-19 inpatients, including 76 in intensive care units, has said that the situation is severe and unprecedented.
Currently, there are 29,617 patients of sick of Covid in the country, of which 7,202 are women.
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