A child in Iowa dies from coronavirus complications in June, the state Department of Health has confirmed, marking Iowa’s first death of a minor from the virus.
The Iowa Department of Public Health said the state medical bureau of the state concluded its investigation Aug. 6, The Associated Press reported.
The baby’s death was not reported in state statistics until Saturday, more than two weeks later, according to the AP.
“The death of the child was publicly reported this weekend to ensure the identity of the individual would be protected and bring the family into the message,” the department said in a statement, according to the newswire. “We have made every effort to protect the identity of this child, while the family mourns this devastating loss. Once again, we send our sincere condolences. ”
The department reportedly said the medical examiner performed a full range of tests on the child.
“Ultimately, COVID-19 was considered the cause of death,” the statement said, according to the AP.
The information about Iowa’s first children’s day comes just a day before school districts in the state are ready to begin the school year. Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) has ordered the reopening of schools for at least 50 percent instruction personally amid the pandemic.
Reynolds said the majority of school districts will resume class instruction this week, but some districts have delayed their start dates due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, the AP noted.
An official with the state health department was not immediately available for comment when contacted by The Hill.
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