Mississippi reports 10th child death due to COVID-19 complications

Sarah Haselhorst, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
·2 min read

A 10th child in Mississippi has died of complications related to the coronavirus, the Mississippi State Department of Health reported Wednesday afternoon.

The child, between the ages of 11 and 17, was unvaccinated, as were the other nine who died, based on updated health department records.

The last COVID-19 pediatric death in Mississippi occurred in September, when the delta variant was spiking case counts and coronavirus death rates.

"Vaccination is the best protection for our children who are eligible to receive it," State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said. "For those under 5 years of age, it is critically important that everyone around the infant or child are vaccinated.”

COVID-19 in Mississippi: More than 10,000 students tested positive for the coronavirus last week

The fully vaccinated rate of Mississippi children 12-17 is 37%. About 7% residents aged 5-11 have gotten their first dose of Pfizer, according to health department records.

Between Sept. 2020 and Jan. 26, the Mississippi State Department of Health has reported 10 pediatric COVID-19 deaths. This is what is known:

  • Early Sept. 2020: A child between the ages of 1-5 due to Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome

  • Late Oct. 2020: A child between the ages 6-10

  • Between Feb. and March 2021: A teen between 11-17

  • Late July 2021: A teen between 11-17 with a common underlying medical condition

  • Aug. 14, 2021: 13-year-old M'Kayla Robinson

  • Aug. 25, 2021: A child younger than 5

  • Sept. 8, 2021: An infant under the age of 1

  • Late Sept. 2021: A teen between 11-17

  • Late Sept. 2021: A teen between 11-17

  • Jan. 25, 2022: A teen between 11-17

Beyond vaccination and booster shots, the state health department recommended everyone continue social distancing, mask-wearing and avoiding large crowds to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Have a health story? Or a health-related tip? Send it along to shaselhorst@gannett.com, on Twitter at @HaselhorstSarah or call 601-331-9307.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi reports 10th child death due to COVID-19 complications