Colorado says that 75% of all eligible adults have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Children across the state are not as protected against the virus and the numbers of pediatric cases are climbing. KSUT’s Sarah Flower reports.
Story Transcription:
Sarah Flower 00:00
Colorado health officials are saying that COVID-19 infection rates are now highest amongst children. Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the state's epidemiologist says that cases in elementary age children specifically, are the biggest that they've seen since the pandemic started,
Dr. Rachel Herlihy 00:17
We have seen a pretty rapid rise in pediatric case rates. So note that the rate that we are seeing in 6 to 11 year olds is actually the highest that rate has been since the beginning of the pandemic. Similarly, we have seen rates in that 12 to 17 year old group that have been this high before, but right now, I think what stands out to me is that our children are really where we're seeing the highest rates of disease transmission in the state.
Sarah Flower 00:42
Dr. Herlihy says that the increase of cases has been on the rise since July and not necessarily attributed to schools opening their doors. The hospitalization rates in children with COVID-19 has gone up in recent weeks, but not significantly. Out of the almost 900 people currently hospitalized for the virus, there are ten children younger than 12 years old, and seven between the ages of 12 and 17. Dr. Herlihy also noted that hospitalizations in children are also increasing due to the early onset of respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. Health officials are seeing RSV on the rise earlier this year, which is typically seen in late fall and trails off by springtime.
