As the number of cases of coronavirus continues to soar across the United States, a record number of children tested positive for COVID-19 last week. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association announced that more than 61,000 children tested positive and that kids now account for 11.1% of total coronavirus cases in the country. They said that 3.5% of children who have COVID-19 end up in the hospital.
"This is a stark reminder of the impact this pandemic is having on everyone – including our children and adolescents," American Academy of Pediatrics President Sally Goza said in a statement.
The two organizations said that the actual number of cases in children is likely higher because they tend to have less severe symptoms and may recover before they get tested.
"This virus is highly contagious, and as we see spikes in many communities, children are more likely to be infected, too," Goza said.
Goza said she is also worried about the long-term and mental health effects on children.
"I'm very concerned about the long-term harms that children may suffer, particularly Black and Hispanic children, who are suffering a higher number of infections," she said. "This includes not only children who test positive for the virus but everyone in these communities who are suffering disproportionate emotional and mental health harms."
The virus has killed 122 children, including a 13-year-old boy from Missouri who died over the weekend.
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