About 2.75 per cent of the over 750 people found infected by the coronavirus during the ongoing door-to-door Intensive public health survey (IPHS) in Jharkhand were below 18 years – the age group the government fears will be more prone to the viral infection in case of a possible third wave of the pandemic.

As per data shared by the health department on Saturday, swab samples of as many as 51, 605 people were tested through Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) for Covid-19 during the survey that started on May 25, and as many as 762 of them were found infected by Novel Coronavirus. Only 21 of the 762 people found Covid positive were in the age bracket of 0 to 18 years, government data highlighted.

During the survey, rapid tests were conducted on all residents who showed symptoms of Covid-19 such as cough, fever, body ache or weakness. While directing deputy commissioners about the IPHS, the government had asked them to focus on people above 40 and those with comorbid conditions, as they were likely to show severe symptoms of Covid-19.

While Covid-19 was not common among children in the over 16.33 lakh households surveyed since May 25, cases of diabetes and hypertension were a concern even in rural areas, health officials said.

As per IPHS data, the government examined 8,27,751 people from different age groups during the survey, and at least 43,766 of them were found to be diabetic while 46,459 of them had abnormalities in blood pressure. Besides, at least 5,990 of the people surveyed showed symptoms of tuberculosis.

“The survey is ongoing and figures might change in the days to come. But as of now, our findings show that only 21 of the 762 people found infected during the survey were in the age bracket of 0 to 18 years,” said Dr Siddharth Tripathi, the nodal officer of the health department’s IEC wing.

Health experts across the country have warned that a third wave of the pandemic may infect children in India. The Supreme Court had also asked all the states and the Centre to make necessary arrangements for treatment in case they are infected by the mysterious virus.

In the wake of the growing concern about a third wave, the Jharkhand government has set up special Intensive Care Units (ICUs) for children in various government and private hospitals and also strengthened the infrastructure for child care at medical facilities. The state recently held its first national level webinar to prepare for the third wave keeping in mind that it may have a severe impact on children.