FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. -- The Virginia Department of Health has said that "human error" on Friday resulted in a false report that a child under the age of nine had died of COVID-19.
Data on the VDH website on Friday showed that a child between the ages of 0 and 9 had died from the virus. Officials now say that that data is incorrect and the result of human error.
Across the state, 377 children between the ages of 0 and 9 and 776 adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.