Southwest Riverside County Infant Dies From COVID

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — An infant from Southwest Riverside County has died after contracting COVID-19, becoming the youngest person in the county to succumb to the virus since the pandemic started, county health officials announced Thursday.

The death took place earlier this week at a local hospital where the infant was taken after becoming ill. The name of the child, who was less than 1 year of age, and city of residence were not being released, Riverside University Health System-Public Health announced.

The previous youngest death in Riverside County was a 4-year-old child from Western Riverside County who died in August.

Health officials have reported that infants under age 1 might be at higher risk of severe illness with COVID-19 than older children. This is likely due to their immature immune systems and smaller airways, which make them more likely to develop breathing issues with respiratory virus infections, according to RUHS.

“Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the parents, family, and others who are impacted by this tragedy,” said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, public health officer for Riverside County. “This loss reminds us that this virus does not discriminate between the young and old.”

Leung said the death of the child “strengthens our commitment to end this pandemic before the loss of another young life. It shows the importance of using the tools available to protect those around us, particularly the most innocent, from the harm the virus can cause.”

Those tools include distancing, handwashing, wearing protective face coverings, and full vaccination with a booster shot for those who are eligible.

As of Thursday, 5,661 COVID-19-related deaths have been reported in Riverside County since the start of the pandemic. The vast majority of the deaths have been people over 30 years of age, but there have been a handful of children and teens who have died from the virus — some with underlying health issues, according to RUHS.

It is unclear whether the infant who died this week had any underlying health issues.

“It is devastating to learn about the passing of this infant life. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the family,” said Chair Jeff Hewitt, Fifth District Supervisor. “We have a long road ahead of us as we navigate this pandemic and it’s the loss of life that reminds us about the challenges we face.”

The number of COVID-positive patients in Riverside County hospitals stood at 976 Thursday, with 145 of those patients in intensive care units.

Another 1,639 new COVID cases were reported Thursday, bringing the county total to 422,084 cases since the pandemic began.

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