Umatilla County baby with COVID-19 died last month
By Terry Murry on Thursday, February 18th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PORTLAND – The Oregon Health Authority announced six new deaths of people with COVID-19 today. One of them is a baby from Umatilla County. The infant was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Jan. 17 and died the same day at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. The baby boy did have underlying health conditions.
“Every death from COVID-19 is a tragedy, even more so the death of a child,” Oregon Health Officer Dr. Dean Sidelinger said. “The death of an infant is extremely rare. This news represents a tremendous loss to the mother and family. My thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
Gov. Kate Brown also sent sympathy for what she termed an indescribable tragedy for the family.
“The hearts of all Oregonians are with you today,” she said.
Sidelinger stated that children infected with COVID-19 are less likely to develop severe illnesses compared to adults.
“Risks still remain to children of developing more severe illnesses from COVID-19, and we continue to encourage all parents to seek emergency medical care for their children if symptoms are present,” he said.
