Houston Department of Health confirms first city COVID-19 pediatric death of child without underlying health conditions

HOUSTON – It was announced Thursday that a local boy between the ages of 10 and 19 is the first pediatric death from COVID-19 in Houston with no underlying health conditions, according to the Houston Department of Health.

The department reported that the city’s six previous pediatric deaths had underlying health conditions.

Health officials said the boy, who was not vaccinated, died in late July at a Houston hospital. Officials said he tested positive for the virus, but it is unknown if he was infected with a variant of the virus.

The health department cannot provide further identification of the child due to privacy laws.

“On behalf of the city of Houston, I offer my condolences to the boy’s family during their time of mourning,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “The death of a loved one under any circumstances is heartbreaking, especially when we have the power to stop the spread and save lives. I encourage all eligible Houstonians 12 years of age or older to get vaccinated and wear a face mask in large crowds or areas where you can’t get away socially. “