In the US, 61,447 children tested positive for Covid-19 in the week ending October 29, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The academy said it is the largest increase in cases in children since the pandemic began.
More than 853,600 children have tested positive for the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic with 200,000 new cases in October, the group reported.
“These numbers reflect a disturbing increase in cases throughout most of the United States in all populations, especially among young adults," said Dr. Yvonne Maldonado, chair of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases.
“We are entering a heightened wave of infections around the country. We would encourage family holiday gatherings to be avoided if possible, especially if there are high risk individuals in the household.”
Children make up 11% of all US Covid-19 infections and account for a small number of deaths and serious cases, according to states reporting cases in children. The overall rate of infection is 1,134 cases per 100,000 children in the population. The AAP defines a child as anyone 17 and younger. ...
