A teenager from Fresno has become California's first child in the 12-17 age group to die from COVID-19. The teen passed away at Valley Children's Hospital in Madera, a hospital spokesperson confirmed on Friday.
State and local health officials said the victim had other health conditions as well.
“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of this young person whose death is a tragic and powerful reminder of how serious COVID-19 can be,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, director of the California Department of Public Health.
According to the department, no child 12 years or younger has died from the coronavirus.
“It’s a huge trauma for anyone involved, including the hospital workers,” Fresno County interim Health Officer Rais Vohra said.
As of mid-July, 228 children had died in the United States from COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number represents just 0.2 percent of the country's total coronavirus deaths.
"The death of this patient reaffirms that children -- and no age group -- are not immune from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," Valley Children's Hospital wrote in a statement. "It is imperative, now more than ever, for us to all work together to prevent further spread of this disease. Our children deserve no less."
Read the full report on the San Francisco Chronicle.