California reports the first death of a teen from COVID-19

California on Friday reported the first death of a minor under age 18 from COVID-19.

The teen was between 13 and 17 years old and had “underlying health conditions,” according to the California Department of Public Health.

The young person died earlier this week at Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, according to local officials.

“It’s a huge trauma for anyone involved, including the hospital workers,” Fresno County interim Health Officer Rais Vohra said, fighting back tears.

State and local officials declined to provide additional information, citing patient confidentiality concerns.

No children 12 years old or younger have died from the disease, the department said.

“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of this young person whose death is a tragic and powerful reminder of how serious COVID-19 can be,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, director of the California Department of Public Health.

Officials in Los Angeles County had previously reported that a 17-year-old had died of COVID-19 there. But in late March they revised that determination, according to The Associated Press.

California has recorded more than 490,000 coronavirus cases, according to the latest data from the California Department of Public Health. More than 9,000 people have died.

Thirty-eight counties, including Sacramento and others in the Central Valley, are on the state’s monitoring list because of high COVID-19 rates.

Earlier this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he was sending state strike teams and federal funding to the Central Valley to help the region battle a spike in COVID-19 cases.

The region is seeing the virus spread particularly among Latinos, essential workers and people who live in group settings like jails and nursing homes, Newsom said.