MSDH reports Mississippi’s first infant COVID-19 death of the new year
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reported on Wednesday that an infant under the age of one had died from COVID-19, marking the first child death of 2023 from the virus.
The death is the 14th death due to COVID-19 in children under 18 reported in Mississippi since the pandemic began.
MSDH would not comment on where in the state the child died, the exact day the child died or if the child was vaccinated or eligible for vaccination when asked by the Sun Herald.
MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers said in a press release that this latest death serves as a reminder of the importance of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Vaccination not only protects you, but it also protects those around you who may not be eligible for vaccination or who may be at higher risk for complications due to age or underlying health problems,” said Dr. Byers.
MSDH and the CDC recommend vaccination against COVID-19 for everyone 6 months of age and older, and especially for adults 65 and older, children and adults who have weakened immune systems, and anyone with underlying health problems. MSDH also recommends that anyone 6 months of age and older should receive the bivalent booster if eligible.
According to MSDH data, Mississippi reported 5,778 new cases of COVID-19 and 15 new deaths due to COVID-19 during the week of Dec. 27, 2022, to Jan. 2, 2023. Mississippi has seen 960,923 total cases and 13,112 total deaths since the pandemic began.
Cases and deaths are now reported weekly instead of daily. The case totals for the week of Jan. 3, 2023 have been delayed, according to the MSDH website.
Appointments can be made for no cost for COVID-19 vaccinations from county health departments through covidvaccine.msdh.ms.gov or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 877-978-6453. Vaccinations are also available at pharmacies and private providers throughout the state.
This story was originally published January 11, 2023 at 2:46 PM.
