A 4-year-old boy dies of COVID-19 in Riverside County, the youngest death in the area from viruses since the start of the pandemic

RIVERSIDE COUNTY (KABC) – A 4-year-old boy from Riverside County has died of COVID-19, becoming the youngest person in the county to die from the virus since the pandemic began.

Officials say the child had no underlying health issues.

The boy died during the first week of August, but health officials reported the cause of death this week after receiving confirmation from the coroner’s office. The child’s name and city of residence were not disclosed.

“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.”

Children under the age of 12 are not yet eligible for the COVID vaccine.

According to health officials, there have been 4,727 COVID-19-related deaths in Riverside County since the start of the pandemic. 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.

“It’s simply 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, President of the Council. “This loss reminds us all that protecting the people in our community who are not yet eligible for vaccination, including those under the age of 12, should be our top priority.”

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