As of January 14, a staggering 2.5 million children have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Alarmingly, the week prior saw the highest weekly increase in cases among children, with 211,000 new infections reported. This data was compiled from health department reports across 49 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam, revealing that children accounted for 12.6 percent of all reported COVID-19 cases by age. While some states have shared data on hospitalizations and deaths, the statistics suggest that severe outcomes from COVID-19 remain rare among children.
Surge in Hospitalizations
In Arizona, the number of hospitalized children has surged dramatically since October, increasing from 77 to nearly 400 in January alone. “The perception that children are at ‘lower risk’ was often misconstrued as ‘no risk,’” noted Dr. Sarah Thompson, a health care researcher at the University of Minnesota. She emphasized that testing for COVID-19 in children has not been extensive enough to fully understand the prevalence of cases and infection rates.
Hospitalization Rates
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics highlighted that the hospitalization rate for children has spiked more than eightfold over six months. As of mid-November, over 17 per 100,000 children experienced a COVID-19 hospitalization, compared to a hospitalization rate of 282 per 100,000 adults. Parents are urged to recognize COVID-19 symptoms, monitor their children closely, and understand that while many children experience milder symptoms, there are still risks involved.
Long-Term Impacts
Additionally, evidence is needed regarding the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on children’s physical, emotional, and mental health. Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding pointed out that younger children aged 2 to 16 are more likely to spread the virus within their households compared to older teens, with those aged 12 to 16 being seven times more likely to be the first case in their families.
Key Statistics
- Total child COVID-19 cases: 2,511,132
- National rate: 3,336 cases per 100,000 children
- Change in child COVID-19 cases: 211,466 new cases reported from January 7 to January 14
- Recent two-week increase: 382,545 new cases reported
These figures were accurate at the time of the report and may change as the pandemic evolves. For everyone’s safety, it is crucial to limit outings to essential activities, wear masks, and practice social distancing to protect not just ourselves but those around us.
Additional Resources
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Search Queries
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In summary, as the pandemic continues, the number of COVID-19 cases among children is rising, emphasizing the importance of protective measures. Parents should stay informed and vigilant regarding their children’s health and be aware of the potential risks associated with the virus.