New Coronavirus Cases Trend Younger In Washington, Study Finds

SEATTLE, WA — An analysis of recent coronavirus infections in Washington found a sharp increase in cases in people under 40, while illnesses recorded in people ages 60 and older continued to decline.

According to the Seattle Times, about 39 percent of new cases were among patients between 20 and 39 by early May, while another 11 percent of illnesses were in patients aged 19 and younger. Together, younger Washingtonians now account for half of the state's new illnesses.

The study, led by a Seattle epidemiologist, found the incidence of cases in people up to 39 years old grew by 20 percent between March 1 and April 19, and cases among older adults dropped by 10 percent.

According to public health data, Washingtonians 60 and older represent 30 percent of the state's overall COVID-19 cases, but account for 90 percent of the deaths linked to complications from the disease. Patients aged 20 to 39 years old account for just over 1 percent of the state's coronavirus deaths.

However, illnesses can still pose serious health risks and lead to hospitalizations for younger patients, and a new disorder with links to COVID-19 has been identified in four young children in Washington.

Beyond that, researchers said, younger people are typically more mobile and can spread the virus to those more at risk for complications.

"Increased COVID-19 infection among children and young adults is not without serious morbidity and mortality risk to them and other they may come in contact with, indicating a targeted approach for awareness and safety measures is advisable to reduce incidence among the supposedly less vulnerable but more mobile young population," researchers wrote.

According to the Times, the state health officer said the shift in new cases likely also points to increased physical distancing among older Washingtonians, and success in reducing outbreaks in long-term care facilities.