RIVERSIDE (CBSLA) – A 4-year-old boy from Western Riverside County died recently after contracting COVID-19, becoming the youngest person in the county to die from the virus since the pandemic began.
The death occurred during the first week of August, but health workers waited to report the death until they received confirmation from the coroner’s office. The child’s name and city of residence are not disclosed.
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“Our thoughts and sympathies are directed to family, friends and others affected by the death of this child,” said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, a public health officer in Riverside County. “This tragedy reminds us that this virus does not discriminate between young and old. The death of this child reinforces our commitment to stop this pandemic before the loss of another young life.
According to health officials, there have been 4,727 COVID-19-related deaths in Riverside County since the start of the pandemic.
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The vast majority of deaths have affected people over the age of 30, but there have been a handful of teens and young adults who have died from the virus, some with underlying health issues.
The 4-year-olds had no underlying health issues, officials said.
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“It is heartbreaking that COVID-19 has taken the life of someone so young. My thoughts and deepest condolences to the child’s family at this most difficult time, ”said Supervisor Karen Spiegel, Chair of the Board. “This loss reminds us all that protecting people in our community who do not yet meet the requirements for vaccination, including those under 12, should be our top priority.”