LDH: Three Child Deaths Linked To Omicron

Three Louisiana child deaths are being linked to the omicron variant of COVID-19.

The Louisiana Department of Health says two of the kids were younger than five while other was between the ages of five and 17 years old.

The deaths happened last week.

"Every life lost is a tragedy. That we have lost 21 children in our state to COVID-19, many of them not yet eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine, is unbearable," said State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter. "Our young children who are not eligible to get the vaccine rely on us to protect them."

"While cases are declining from our Omicron surge, the risk is not zero," Kanter added. "Families should carefully judge their risk and risk tolerance, particularly in the Mardi Gras season. Becoming fully vaccinated and boosted if eligible, wearing a high-quality and well-fitting mask, and avoiding crowds and indoor unmasked public spaces can increase a family’s protection and lower their risk.”

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