An infant younger than one year of age in Chicago – who tested positive for the virus – has died, the Illinois Department of Public Health said Saturday.
“There has never before been a death associated with COVID-19 in an infant,” department Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said. “If you haven’t been paying attention, maybe this is your wake-up call.”
Ezike said an investigation was underway to determine the cause of death.
“There has never before been a death associated with COVID-19 in an infant. A full investigation is under way to determine the cause of death,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said.
“We must do everything we can to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. If not to protect ourselves, but to protect those around us.”
We must do everything we can to prevent the spread of this deadly virus. If not to protect ourselves, but to protect those around us.
Dr. Ngozi Ezike | Illinois Department of Public Health Director
Older adults and those with preexisting conditions are most at risk of serious illness and more than 85% of deaths in Illinois have been among individuals 60 years of age and older. However, COVID-19 affects people of all ages. Earlier this week, a 17-year-old in New Orleans died after contracting the virus.
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