Houston reports COVID-19 death in child with no underlying conditions

A boy in Houston between the ages of 10 and 19 died from COVID-19 last month, marking the city’s first such death in a child with no underlying health conditions.

Currently, COVID-19 vaccines are available to children as young as 12 through emergency use authorization.  His death marks the seventh pediatric COVID-19 fatality in Houston, although all previous cases involved underlying conditions. "On behalf of the City of Houston, I extend my condolences to the boy’s family during their time of grief," Mayor Sylvester Turner said, in a news release posted by the Houston health department. "The death of a loved one under any circumstance is heartbreaking, especially when we have the power to slow the spread and save lives. I encourage all eligible Houstonians ages 12 and older to get vaccinated and wear a face mask in large crowds or areas where you cannot socially distance."  Nationwide hospitals are reporting increasing pediatric COVID-19 cases compared to rates seen during previous surges. Health officials have urged those who are eligible to get vaccinated to protect others who cannot.