A Baltimore County teen has died after being infected with the coronavirus, marking what officials say is the first pediatric death in the county associated with the virus.
The 15-year-old girl died Saturday at Johns Hopkins Hospital after showing symptoms of an “inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 infection that has been documented in children in New York and other locations,” county officials said Tuesday.
County officials have not identified the victim. Family members could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.
Maryland Department of Health officials did not return messages requesting comment this week.
“Any loss of life from this virus is tragic, but the loss of a child is devastating,” County Executive Johnny Olszewski said in the release. “Our prayers are with the family and loved ones of this young person. This is a stark reminder that this virus spares no one, and that we all must remain vigilant in our efforts to stay home, socially distance, and limit the spread of this deadly disease.”
More than 4,900 Baltimore County residents have contracted the COVID-19 virus, with 247 confirmed deaths and an additional 16 deaths believed to be virus-related, officials said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is real, it is here, and it is lethal,” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Baltimore County health officer. “Our children and our most vulnerable residents need all of us to do our part to safeguard them from this unrelenting adversary.”
County residents are encouraged to stay home whenever possible and to wear masks or face coverings in public places and continue to maintain six feet of distance from other people.
This article will be updated.
