Infant Dies Of COVID-19 In Louisiana As More Kids Contract Virus

A baby under the age of one year old has died of COVID-19 as cases among children are rising across the United States.

Officials with the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) on Wednesday reported 110 new coronavirus-related deaths. The figures included an infant under the age of one, making it the first death of a child from the virus in six months.

Overall, the state of Louisiana have reported 11 deaths among the youth since the beginning of the pandemic, according to 4WWL.

Gov. John Bel Edwards, D-LA, confirmed the death of the infant in a statement published on the office of the governor's website.

“Each COVID-19 death in Louisiana has been heart-wrenching, but the loss of such a young child, who could not be vaccinated yet, is tragic and a stark reminder of the difficult circumstance we are in throughout Louisiana. Right now, we are seeing younger people hospitalized. They are getting sicker than in the previous surge and, unfortunately, some of them may die,” he said in a statement.

“We have hope in the form of safe and effective vaccines, but only if many more of us who are eligible and able to actually take them and only if we slow the spread of this illness through masking and distancing as well. All Louisianans, regardless of their age or health status, are worthy of our care and attention.”

COVID-19 cases involving young children are rising amid the spread of the more transmissible Delta variant. This week alone, Louisiana health officials recorded 6,416 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among children. At least 63 children were also admitted to the hospital.

“The best way we can protect ourselves, our loved ones and young children who are not eligible to get the vaccine is to get vaccinated ourselves and wear a mask. It’s really that simple,” said Dr. Joseph Kanter, the state’s health officer, WAFB reported.

Across the U.S., authorities have recorded more than 180,000 cases in children the week ending Aug. 19. The figures are up from the 38,000 cases a week reported near the end of July, according to CNN.

As of Wednesday, COVID-19 vaccines are only available for children ages 12 and older, leaving younger people vulnerable to the virus.