More infected than previously thought, “children play a weaker role in the transmission of the virus”

According to a study by KU Leuven, children are more often infected than previously thought. Yves Coppieters and other experts do not consider it necessary to review the measures.

A few days after the reopening of the schools, the topic is back on the table. Should we resume lessons as the curve of new cases and hospitalizations is decreasing? This Friday, a new study arrived to revive the debate on the potential infectiousness of children. According to an immunity study conducted by KU Leuven and Sciensano of 362 children from Alken and Pelt (Limburg), children are more often infected with the coronavirus than previously thought.

In fact, between 21 September and 6 October, blood and saliva samples were taken from these children. Alken was one of the hardest hit cities in the country in the spring, while Pelt was relatively spared. According to initial results, Alken showed that 14.4% of the children had developed antibodies against 4.4% in Pelt. “This shows that children are more susceptible to coronavirus than initially thought”, said Corinne Vandermeulen, research coordinator and vaccinologist (KU Leuven).