A Message From Dr. Gregory Tiongson, Medical Director, Bronson Children’s Hospital

Dr. Gregory Tiongson, medical director, Bronson Children’s Hospital

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Bronson has had 2,800 pediatric COVID-19 positive test results. There have been 1,700 alone just since the beginning of 2021. It is a fallacy that children are unlikely to have COVID-19. They consistently represent 20-25% of all positive test results of the tests administered by Bronson throughout our region. 

There have been a total of 76 pediatric COVID-19 positive admissions to Bronson Children’s Hospital including 51 since the beginning of 2021. Those hospital admissions have included several children from newborns to age 17 years with respiratory failure in some cases requiring ventilators and intubation. There have also been several children of all ages admitted with Multi Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).

These children with MIS-C and other children with even mild COVID-19 infections are at a yet to be determined but demonstrable risk for lasting cardiac problems.

In my clinical opinion, it is never trivial when a child has a COVID-19 infection. Using wise, safe and proven infection control practices which include frequent handwashing, social distancing, mask-wearing when indoors, and vaccination for those approved will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the children of our community from unnecessary and preventable risk.

Learn more about COVID-19 and how Bronson is keeping the community safe.

COVID-19 & Kids: Resources for Parents Page

COVID-19 Information Center