Director of the Pediatric Department at Makarios Hospital in Nicosia, Dr. Avraam Elia, told CNA on Friday that occupancy at the hospital, where children are being treated with respiratory infections, is over 95%, noting that there is an epidemic, which occurs in the child population every three to four years.
According to Dr. Elia, 33 children are currently being treated at Makarios Hospital, three of whom with Covid19 and four with Influenza A.
But he noted that the vast majority have a respiratory infection, mainly RSV virus (Respiratory syncytial), that mostly affects infants, which is why 50% of those hospitalised in Makarios are under 12 months old.
He also said that hospitalisations of children with severe microbial pneumonia from pneumococci have increased in the last year. He explained that this may be due to the fact that available vaccines are not as effective and said that new vaccines against pneumococci will soon be available in Cyprus.
Speaking to CNA, Dr Elia said that in addition to the R
SV virus, there are hospitalisations of infants and toddlers with Influenza A, while hospitalisations of children with Covid 19 have also increased.
“At the moment, three children with Covid19 are being treated in the Makarios Hospital, but these children have mild symptoms, because this mutation does not cause serious complications in the child population,” he noted,
He explained, that usually these are young children, who have fever, anorexia, lethargy or children who have underlying conditions.
Moreover, he said that admissions reach up to ten per day, while around ten are being discharged daily.
He noted that this is the period when RSV infections among children are expected to peak, noting that the peak happens at the end of January, beginning of February.
“There are co-existing viruses in children, such as flu and RSV at the same time,” Dr. Elia said adding that there seems to be an epidemic, which occurs in the population of children every three to four years.
Replying to questions, Elia said tha
t the situation is currently manageable and that plans are being made for a possible increase in hospitalisations for children.
It is noted that the capacity of the pediatric clinic is up to 36 children, i.e. 18 in each ward, however, there is provision to expand its capacity to accommodate 40 children in case of need.
Source: Cyprus News Agency