In the week ending October 29, more than 61,000 children in the U.S. tested positive for COVID-19, marking the highest weekly total since the start of the pandemic, according to a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Children’s Hospital Association. Pediatric cases now make up 11% of all COVID-19 cases in the country, a significant rise from just 2% in April.
The surge in pediatric COVID-19 cases reflects a broader increase in infections across the nation. By the end of October, over 853,000 children had been confirmed as COVID-19 positive since the pandemic began, with nearly 200,000 new cases reported in October alone. Dr. Emily Carter, president of the AAP, emphasized the implications of this trend, stating, “This situation underscores the pandemic’s impact on all age groups, including children and teens. The virus spreads easily, and as community cases rise, so do infections among children. We can mitigate this by practicing physical distancing, wearing masks, and adhering to health guidelines.”
The AAP suggests that the actual number of infected children may be even higher, as many cases are mild and some parents in states like Utah are opting not to have their children tested to maintain lower numbers for school openings. With schools now open for over two months, the rise in cases among children is not unexpected.
While severe COVID-19 cases are rare among children, the AAP stresses the urgent need for more research on the virus’s long-term effects on young people, including its potential impact on their physical health and emotional well-being. This highlights two critical points: first, while children may not experience severe illness like adults, they can transmit the virus just as easily; and second, the long-term consequences of COVID-19, even for healthy young individuals, remain largely unknown.
Currently, children represent less than 3.5% of all COVID-19 hospitalizations, with 122 reported fatalities in this age group.
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Summary:
More than 61,000 children were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the U.S. in one week, reflecting an alarming rise in pediatric cases that now constitute 11% of total infections. Although severe illness remains rare among children, the need for further research on long-term effects is critical. This situation highlights the importance of preventive measures to protect children and communities.
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