Clinical features of children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at a single isolation centre in Ghana

Joycelyn Assimeng Dame; Peter Puplampu; Akosua Sika Ayisi; Ali Samba; Nana Esi Appiah; Nana Fredua Agyeman; Lorna Renner

doi:10.46829/hsijournal.2021.12.2.2.238-243

Joycelyn Assimeng Dame Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Peter Puplampu Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Akosua Sika Ayisi Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana & Pentecost Convention Isolation Centre, Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
Ali Samba Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Nana Esi Appiah Department of Dentistry, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana & Pentecost Convention Isolation Centre, Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
Nana Fredua Agyeman Pentecost Convention Isolation Centre, Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana.
Lorna Renner Department of Child Health, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46829/hsijournal.2021.12.2.2.238-243

Keywords: Asymptomatic COVID-19, mild COVID-19, children in Ghana, isolation centre

Abstract

Introduction:Children with coronavirus disease- 2019 (COVID-19) who do not require hospitalisation must isolate to prevent the virus’s spread.

Background: This study describes the prevalence, characteristics, source of infection, and treatment outcome among children with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 admitted to Ghana’s largest isolation centre.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study among children 0-18 years admitted to Pentecost Convention Isolation Centre in Ghana between April 24 to August 31, 2020. We extracted their clinical details and patient outcome information from their medical records.

Results: The number of children enrolled was 57, with a median age of 16 years (interquartile 12-17). The most common symptom was a headache. Most of the participants admitted from school attributed their source of infection to a school colleague. One patient required transfer to a hospital while the rest were discharged home after de-isolation.

Conclusion: Children with asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 managed in facilities repurposed as isolation centres can reduce the hospital’s care load. As schools re-open fully, school authorities must collaborate closely with public health institutions for rapid testing, tracing, and isolation of all suspected or contacts of COVID-19.