SARS-CoV-2–Associated Deaths Among Persons Aged <21 Years — United States, February 12–July 31, 2020

Report by Danae Bixler et al. Vol. 69, No. 37. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. September 18, 2020.

Report by Danae Bixler et al. Vol. 69, No. 37. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

September 18, 2020.

What is already known about this topic?

Symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection are milder in children compared with adults.

What is added by this report?

Among 121 SARS-CoV-2–associated deaths among persons aged <21 years reported to CDC by July 31, 2020, 12 (10%) were infants and 85 (70%) were aged 10–20 years. Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaskan Native persons accounted for 94 (78%) of these deaths; 33% of deaths occurred outside of a hospital.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Persons aged <21 years exposed to SARS-CoV-2 should be monitored for complications. Ongoing surveillance for SARS-CoV-2–associated infection, hospitalization, and death among persons aged <21 years should be continued as schools reopen in the United States.

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