Blacks, Hispanics account for most deaths of COVID-19 victims under 21 in US
Sep 15, 2020
Washington [US], September 16 (ANI/Sputnik): Hispanics, Blacks and native Americans suffered nearly 80 per cent of the COVID-19-related deaths among victims who were under 21-years-old, which totalled 121 from February 12-July 31, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on Tuesday (local time).
"Among 121 SARS-CoV-2-associated deaths reported to CDC among persons aged less than 21 years ... 45 per cent were Hispanic persons, 29 per cent were non-Hispanic Black (Black) persons, and 4 per cent were non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons," the report said.
Minorities represent 78 per cent of the deaths although they comprise 41 per cent of the under 21 population, the report said.
Possible reasons include the elevated presence in households of essential workers unable to work from their homes, resulting in higher exposure to the disease, the report said.
"Disparities in social determinants of health, such as crowded living conditions, food and housing insecurity, wealth and educational gaps, and racial discrimination, likely contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 and MIS-C incidence and outcomes," the report added.
MIS-C or multisystem inflammatory syndrome refers to a rare but severe complication from COVID-19 infections found in children and young adults.
Another possible reason is that racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented among essential workers who are unable to work from home, resulting in higher risk for secondary transmission among household members, the report said.
Higher rates of adverse outcomes among racial and ethnic minorities are likely related to challenges in seeking care, including difficulty and delays in accessing medical services because of lack of insurance, child care, transportation, or paid sick leave, the report added. (ANI/Sputnik)
