Abstract
Introduction: The new SARS-CoV2 pandemic is not equally affecting all
ages. Children are showing milder symptoms across the globe. We reviewed
the incidence and the severity in the pediatric populations of several
Middle Eastern countries. Materials and Methods: We contacted the
Lebanese Ministry of Health and colleagues in different countries of the
region for information about their local cases, we reviewed updated
information from the CDC and searched Pubmed for publications related to
COVID-19 in pediatric patients till the end of April 2020. Results:
Different countries had different number of affected children and
different percentage of pediatric versus adult cases confirmed to be
tested positive. Qatar showed the highest number of total cases but had
one of the lowest percentage of pediatric infection versus adults.
Conclusion: Our local experience was similar to other affected countries
worldwide with children less than 18 years old showing milder symptoms
and are less affected than adults.