Exhaled aerosols among PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2-infected children

This prospective study investigated aerosol concentrations in SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive and -negative children and adolescents (2–17 years). 250 participants were included (105 positive, 145 negative). SARS-CoV-2 status was not a bivariate predictor of exhaled aerosol particle count, but was significant in a multiple regression model considering age, BMI, COVID-19 vaccination, and past infection. COVID-19 vaccination status was a highly significant predictor (p < 0.001). Children did not show elevated aerosol levels or evidence of superspreading.

Thomas S Murray, Josue Sznitman, Richard Martinello, Pia Schuchmann, Gerhard Scheuch, Rolf Naumann, Marius Keute, Thomas Lücke, Stefan Zielen, Folke Brinkmann