The B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 is proving to be more contagious and potentially more lethal, with alarming evidence suggesting it spreads more easily among children than previous strains. While the U.S. has made significant progress in managing COVID-19 through vaccination efforts, recent weeks have seen a resurgence in cases, largely attributed to more hazardous variants. Originally identified in England, the B.1.1.7 variant is now the predominant strain in the U.S., as confirmed by the CDC.
CDC Director Melanie Roberts revealed that this variant has been detected in all 50 states, making it the most prevalent lineage in circulation. Alarmingly, a notable portion of its transmission appears to be linked to children. “We are seeing clusters of cases associated with daycare centers and youth sports across the nation,” Roberts stated. Historically, children have been less impacted and have played a smaller role in the transmission of earlier COVID strains.
Dr. Thomas Greene, director of the Infectious Disease Research Center at the University of Minnesota, has reassessed his views on reopening schools for in-person learning due to new findings regarding B.1.1.7’s impact on kids. “This variant behaves quite differently epidemiologically,” he told reporters. “Opening schools now could significantly boost the transmission of B.1.1.7 within our communities, and I fear we might soon find ourselves revisiting this issue after experiencing substantial spread.”
A recent study published in the British Medical Journal highlighted that B.1.1.7 is a significant contributor to COVID infections in children. In January, over 50,000 children tested positive for the virus in Israel, marking the highest monthly total during the country’s major surges, coinciding with the emergence of B.1.1.7. Similarly, in Italy, a village experienced a spike in cases, with 60 percent of those infected being infants and young children.
In Michigan, where the B.1.1.7 variant is fueling a notable rise in cases, infections among children aged 10 to 19 surged by 133 percent last week. “There are indications that children may transmit the U.K. variant more readily than they did the original strain,” Dr. Emily Williams, chair of emergency medicine at Rutgers University, remarked. “Without appropriate precautions, they could easily spread this variant to their families or others in different settings. This is especially concerning as many return to classrooms with reduced social distancing, as recommended by the CDC. While severe illness in children remains rare, there is still a risk of serious complications.”
For more insights on related topics, check out one of our other blog posts here, and for authoritative information on home insemination, you can visit Make a Mom. For excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, refer to Healthline.
Search Queries:
- B.1.1.7 variant impact on children
- COVID-19 variants and school reopening
- How to protect kids from COVID-19
- Understanding COVID-19 transmission in children
- Latest COVID-19 variant news
Summary:
The B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 is increasingly spreading among children, raising concerns among health officials. This variant, now the most common in the U.S., appears to be associated with higher rates of infection in children, prompting experts to reconsider school reopening strategies. Reports indicate significant transmission linked to daycare centers and youth sports, highlighting the need for continued precautions.