An infant has died in Illinois, becoming the youngest victim of COVID-19, becoming the youngest death in the United States.
“I know how difficult this news can be,” Governor Pritzker said during his daily COVID-19 briefing, “especially about this very young child. Upon hearing it, I admit I was immediately shaken and it’s appropriate for any of us to grieve today”
“It’s especially sorrowful for the family, of this very small child. For the years stolen from this infant” the Governor said.
Today, IDPH reported 465 new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 13 new deaths.
Among the fatalities in the last day included a State of Illinois employee, a member of the team at the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services.
“There has never before been a death associated with COVID-19 in an infant. A full investigation is underway to determine the cause of death,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “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.”
Older adults are at higher risk of severe illness, and more than 85% of deaths in Illinois are among individuals 60 years of age and older. However, people of all ages are suffering severe illness.
– Cook County: infant, 2 males 60s, 2 males
70s, 1 female 70s, female 80s, male 80s
– McHenry County: male 50s
– Kane County: 2 males 70s
– Lake County: female 90s
– Will County: female 90s
Carroll, Fayette, and Macon counties are now reporting cases. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 3,491 cases, including 47 deaths, in 43 counties in Illinois. The age of cases ranges from younger than one to 99 years.
