An alarming new study shows a surge in COVID-19 infections among children in the United States. This report comes as the country wrestles with reopening schools safely across all states.
COVID-19 Infections in the US
CNN reports that the new study showed cases of COVID-19 among American children jumped by over 90% over the past four weeks. The American Academy of Pediatrics, with the Children’s Hospital Association, studied the cases. They would also update the numbers weekly.
Dr. Sean O’Leary warned CNN that people should take COVID-19 in this demographic very seriously. He said COVID-19 is not “benign in children” at all, and that 90 kids have died in the US in only a few months. In comparison, around 100 kids die from influenza every year. Dr. O’Leary is the vice-chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases.
KIDS EPIDEMIC:
📌In Florida, the total number of cases in children <17 from 16,797 on July 9 to 39,735 on August 9–increase of 137%.
📌Covid-19 hospitalizations among children in Florida rose from 213 to 436 during same period, a 105% increase. #COVID19 https://t.co/ieGWfcOQZo
— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) August 11, 2020
COVID-19 Child Infections
Between July 9 and August 6, the study said that COVID-19 infected 179,990 children in the US. As of August 6, the totals reached 380,174 child infections.
Current data suggest that young people with COVID-19 don’t suffer severe symptoms. Kids comprised only 0.5% and 5.3% of hospital patients across the country. Out of the total COVID-19 deaths in the US, just 0.4% of them were children.
Despite the low death rates, experts still worry the numbers could rise. Students going back to school face more chances to get the virus, which could kill a number of them. Among them, children with autoimmune disorders and other risk factors are in the most danger.
Children Could Spread COVID-19
Despite not suffering severe symptoms, children could still spread COVID-19. Parents should teach them proper hygiene. They should also wear masks and stay away from other people.
