CDC: COVID-19 deaths in those aged 21 and younger

Editor's Note

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on September 15 reported that 121 of nearly 392,000 children and young adults who contracted COVID-19 in the US have died.

Three-quarters of the deaths involved at least one comorbidity and 45% had two or more, with the most common conditions being chronic lung disease, obesity, neurological or developmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Hispanics, Blacks, and American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) accounted for 94 (78%) of the 121 deaths, and 33% of deaths occurred outside of a hospital. Hispanics were most at risk, representing 45% of COVID-19-related deaths; Blacks represented another 29%; and AI/ANs were 4%.

Surveillance for COVID-19 associated infections, hospitalizations, and deaths among children and young adults should continue as schools reopen, the researchers say.