Study: Young children under 5 years of age are more likely than adults to transmit the new coronavirus

BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Researchers have found that the quality of the new coronavirus gene in the nasal cavity of children under 5 years of age is 10 to 100 times higher than that of adults and older children, meaning that young children may be the main "driver" of the virus's transmission in the community, Singapore's
reported.
the study was published in JAMA Pediatrics. Between March 23 and April 27, the researchers tested 145 patients with mild to moderate illnesses in Chicago for nasal swabs within a week of developing symptoms. The patients were divided into three groups: 46 children under the age of 5, 51 children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 17, and 48 adults between the ages of 18 and 65.
team, led by Dr. Sarkint of The Children's Hospital of Ann and Lurie, observed that "the genetic material of the new coronavirus in the upper respiratory tract of young children is 10 to 100 times higher than in adults or older children".
a recent laboratory study showed that the more viral genetic material that appears in patients, the more infectious viruses they reproduce, the authors added.
previous studies have shown that young children are more likely to transmit the disease if they have high levels of respiratory fusion virus (RSV).
, young children may be an important driver of the spread of the new coronavirus in the population," the team said. "They believe that "the behaviour of young children, coupled with the confined spaces of schools or nurseries, is a cause for concern about the spread of the new coronavirus among this group." However
, the Findings of the Study Group are contrary to the views of the health authorities. It is generally accepted that young children are less likely to get seriously ill and less likely to transmit the virus than adults.