3. Impact on Pediatric Populations

The current wave has disproportionately affected young children, with a noticeable surge in cases coinciding with the end of summer holidays and the beginning of the school year.

• Increased Emergency Visits: Data from the United States for summer 2025 shows a general increase in emergency room visits, with the highest rates observed in the 0-4 age group. In August 2025 alone, ER visits rose by 15.2%, an increase driven primarily by young children.
• Case Severity: Despite the rise in infections, hospitalization and mortality rates among children remain low. The majority of pediatric cases are mild, characterized primarily by fever and upper respiratory symptoms.
• Treatment Protocol: For most children, supportive care and home isolation are sufficient for recovery.