Rho Federal Systems Division, Inc. NIAID DAIT SACCC

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT COVID-19, the infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, is rapidly affecting humans around the globe.While initial epidemiological data have focused on cases that resulted in severe respiratory disease seenpredominantly in adults, little information regarding the infection burden in children is available. This iscomplicated by the observation that many virologically confirmed cases in children are asymptomatic (Dong etal, Pediatrics, PMID 32179660). Undocumented, and likely infectious, cases could result in exposure to a fargreater proportion of the community than would otherwise occur. Indeed, it has been proposed thatundocumented (or silent) infections are the source for almost 80% of documented infections (Li et al, Science,PMID 32179701); thus, it is critical to determine the silent and symptomatic infection rate in children. The purpose of this project is to develop, implement, and report on a surveillance study that will enroll andprospectively observe eligible children who are current participants in NIH/NIAID/DAIT-funded pediatricresearch studies and their family members. Many of these studies are focused on populations of children withasthma or other atopic conditions. The primary objective of this study will be to determine the incidence ofSARS-CoV-2 infection (detection of virus in nasal secretions and stool and antibodies to the virus in blood)over time in children and their household contacts (caregivers and siblings).