NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Westchester health officials are warning parents about the "preventable" deaths of two asthmatic children who hadn't seen their doctors since the pandemic began.
The Westchester Health Department said neither child had COVID but that both died during the pandemic and that their deaths were determined to be preventable.
"Sadly, this is a reminder that the casualties of COVID-19 are more than just the victims of the virus," Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said in a statement.
"Parents, please learn from these two tragic deaths that the virus cannot prevent you from taking your child to the doctor," Amler said. "You must—must—stay on top of your child's health regardless of the pandemic."
The Westchester County Child Fatality Review Team recently reviewed the deaths of the two school-aged children and found they died from asthma after going months without seeing their doctors.
Health officials are urging caregivers to visit a pediatrician or an asthma specialist (pulmonologist or allergist) at least twice a year, even if a child appears to be completely well, and to make sure children are taking their asthma medication every day.
Amler said the key message is that "children with asthma need to receive their medication every day and follow up with their medical providers regularly even during the COVID pandemic. Also, during an acute exacerbation of asthma don't be afraid to take your child to the doctor or hospital if needed. We all want to prevent unnecessary asthma related deaths."
