Coronavirus Death Of Child Under Age 10 Reported In NoVA

VIRGINIA — The Virginia Department of Health confirmed Thursday a child under ten with COVID-19 died in Northern Virginia. This is the region's first COVID-19 death in the 0 to 9 age group. There have been four COVID-19 deaths in the age group.

VDH did not release details about the child for privacy reasons and out of respect for the family. The Washington Post reported a statement from the Fairfax County Health Department confirming the child was from the Fairfax Health District.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this child for their tragic loss,” said State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver in a statement. "Across the country, COVID-19 continues to cause illness and death. The Delta variant is now the most predominant strain across the country, and it spreads more easily from one person to another."

The delta variant, said to be more contagious than the original COVID-19 strain and other variants, has contributed to a recent rise in cases. While deaths have been less prevalent in young children than older adults, cases among have increased among children in July and as they return to schools. The Associated Press reported hospitalizations are also lower among children than adults but increased in recent weeks.

While experts say the delta variant is more contagious, there is no consensus yet if it causes more severe illness or has more of an impact on children.

VDH encourages residents to continue taking precautions, including wearing a mask in any indoor public settings. Health officials recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone 12 and older.

After the FDA gave full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16 and up, the next step will be emergency use authorization for ages 5 to 11. That authorization for the Pfizer vaccine could come as soon as later in 2021.