With many kids back in schools, COVID-19 cases among Allegheny County children is a concern for health officials.
During a video press conference on Wednesday, Dr. Debra Bogen, Director of the Allegheny County Health Department, said in September there were 233 cases among kids up to the age of 18.
In October so far, there have been 67 new cases within the same age group.
Bogen said that most children tend to experience "much less severe illness" when it comes to COVID-19, while others do get sick enough to be hospitalized.
Only one of those 300 kids have been hospitalized. Since the pandemic began in March, 14 children have been hospitalized due to the virus.
Bogen said that throughout the state, there have been more than 17,000 COVID-19 cases among kids as well as 49 cases of Multiple Inflammatory Syndrome of Childhood (MISC).
"This is a very serious, and can be life-threatening, illness," said Bogen. "And we really don't know the long-term consequences yet of having COVID-19 in childhood or MISC in childhood."
Bogen said that while it's rare for children to get sick, they can spread the virus to others. "In our case investigations, we have definitely seen outbreaks that involve children. And one outbreak we've been monitoring for the last three weeks started with a teen and has now spread to 27 people."
The fact that children can spread the virus to adults is worrisome because adults can develop the more serious illness associated with COVID-19.
Parents are asked to continue to help keep their kids and others safe while at play or at school or socializing by following the department's guidelines to mitigate the spread of he virus such as forming pods with other families to keep your circle of contact small, keep playdates outdoors whenever possible, wear a mask, wash hands and maintain social distancing.
