Child at Valley Children’s in Madera has died from the coronavirus, hospital confirms
A patient at Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera has died from the coronavirus, officials confirmed Friday.
In a news release, officials said the pediatric patient died earlier in the week. The release did not include an age or any other specific detail about the patient.
“The death of this patient reaffirms that children — and no age group — are not immune from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the release said. “It is imperative, now more than ever, for us to all work together to prevent further spread of this disease.”
The death marks the first case death related to COVID-19 of someone 17 or younger in California.
A statement from the California Department of Public Health identified the patient as a teenager who had underlying health conditions. There have been no reported deaths in children 5 or younger, the release said.
Fresno County interim Health Officer Rais Vohra confirmed Friday, while fighting back tears, the investigation was under way. He also would not comment on the patient’s age.
“It’s a huge trauma for anyone that’s involved, including the hospital workers,” he said.
This story was originally published July 31, 2020 at 1:47 PM.
