COVID-19 Deaths in Young People

Among persons aged 21 years and younger, COVID-related deaths were most common in those aged 14 to 20, male, and nonwhite and those with comorbidities.

Although most severe illnesses and deaths related to SARS-CoV-2 infection occur in persons over 65 years of age, this infection is not necessarily benign in younger persons. Investigators now report on COVID-19 deaths in young people.

From February through July 2020, a total of 391,814 cases of COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome (8% of total cases) were reported by 47 U.S. health districts in persons <21 years old. Among these health districts, 20 reported no deaths and 27 reported 121 deaths in this age group (about 0.08% of total deaths). Twelve percent of deaths occurred in persons with multisystem inflammatory syndrome, and 10% were in infants <1 year of age. Median age at death was 16 years; 63% were male, 45% were Hispanic, …

Reviewing Author

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

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Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

Stephen G. Baum, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardClinical Infectious Diseases

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsMedical Letter

COVID-19 Deaths in Young People

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Reviewing Author