One in five children hospitalized last month at Makarios Hospital suffered from acute viral gastroenteritis, Dr. Abraham Ilias, who spoke of an upsurge in cases, with several of them requiring hospitalization.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Dr. Abraham Ilias said that the number of cases is increasing. Ilia said that five children with acute viral gastroenteritis are currently hospitalized at Makarios, noting that around 20% to 30% of the children hospitalized last month were with the same virus.
According to Dr. Avram Elias, the cases recorded "were mild," adding that they were viral gastroenteritis, which is seen in early summer.
In response to a question, he said that the virus manifests itself with vomiting, diarrheal stools and dehydration, and noted that cases may present with fever or decadent febrile movement.
"One in five [CHILDREN] who have been hospitalized or are hospitalized are symptomatic. This is a common occurrence at this time of the year and there is no cause for concern for parents as in most cases the hospitalizations are for a few days as the virus lasts for 5 to 7 days," he said.
Asked what parents should look out for, Dr. Ilia said these infections are very contagious especially in children - suggesting parents if they notice symptoms in their children to confine them outside of school so that they do not come in contact with other children and spread the virus.
And microbial gastroenteritis possibly in summer
As noted by the Director of the Pediatric Clinic of Makarios Hospital, cases of microbial gastroenteritis may also be recorded during the summer due to the very high temperatures.
Asked if there is a possibility of another outbreak of viral or bacterial infections during the summer, due to the lockdown and restrictions during the pandemic, Dr. Ilias said he does not think that is likely, noting that things are looking much better this season and he hopes things will continue that way.
"I don't anticipate having outbreaks of RSV or microbial pneumonia or even influenza like last summer. This year, while some isolated cases were observed, however, we are not talking about an outbreak like last year and this can be attributed to the use of masks, which the children were using until recently," he said.
Two children are hospitalized with COVID-19
Moreover, in response to another question, Dr. Ilia said that two children with COVID-19, two boys aged 7 years and 5 months, are currently being treated at Makarios inpatient
He said that the children "are not serious", however, he added that they need monitoring.
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