The youngest person to ever die from COVID-19 passed away earlier this week.
According to health officials, an infant who lives in the Riverside County of California has become the youngest person ever to die from the Coronavirus.
“Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the parents, family, and others who are impacted by this tragedy,” said Riverside’s public health officer, Dr. Geoffrey Leung, said in a statement, ABC 7 reports. “This loss reminds us that this virus does not discriminate between the young and old.”
The child – who was less than a year old, was immediately taken to the hospital after contracting the disease. Leung says the child’s passing “strengthens our commitment to end this pandemic before the loss of another young life.” He added that “it shows the importance of using the tools available to protect those around us, particularly the most innocent, from the harm the virus can cause.”
ABC 7 reports there were no details on whether or not the child had other health issues.
Since the beginning of 2020, Riverside has seen more than 5,600 COVID-19-related deaths, with only “a handful of teens and young adults who have died from the virus – some with underlying health issues.”
