Epidemiology and Transmission Dynamics of COVID-19 in an Urban Pediatric US Population

OBJECTIVE: This analysis summarizes observational epidemiologic data and transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 among people aged <18 years to better characterize the pediatric COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of public health surveillance data among children in Denver, Colorado, who were reported to have COVID-19 from March 1, 2020, through September 30, 2021. We used descriptive statistics and bivariate rate ratios (RRs) to describe demographic and clinical characteristics, transmission dynamics, case trends, and ecological associations. RESULTS: A total of 9815 children and adolescents who had COVID-19 were reported during the study period. Adolescents aged 14-17 years had the highest incidence rate (IR) per 1000 people (IR = 107.5; 3021 of 28 108). Hispanic/Latino children had a 1.6 times higher rate of infection than non-Hispanic White children (RR = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.50-1.65; P < .001). Few hospitalizations (n = 138, 1.4%) and deaths (n = 3, 0%) occurred. Most children were symptomatic (4487 of 5499, 81.6%). Within household clusters, a large proportion of pediatric cases (n = 6136) were a secondary case (n = 3959, 64.5%), followed by index case (n = 1170, 19.1%) and co–index case (n = 1007, 16.4%). Non-Hispanic White children had an increased risk of being an index or co–index case (RR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.06-1.23; P < .001), while Hispanic/Latino children had an increased risk of being a secondary case (RR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.11; P < .001). From 2020 to 2021, the association between pediatric case rates and neighborhoods with higher poverty and households with ≥3 people decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Older children and those identifying as Hispanic/Latino had a disproportionate incidence of disease. A sizable proportion of children were considered index cases or co–index cases. Pediatric prevention strategies, especially vaccinations, are vital for pandemic control.