LIHU‘E — The state Department of Health reported Wednesday that a Kaua‘i youth died last fall died as a result of the COVID-19 virus.
The deceased boy was under the age of 17, one of only six COVID-19 deaths in that age range across the entire state throughout the duration of the pandemic. It was the only death in that age range reported on Kaua‘i.
“People always have some extra level of reaction when a young person dies, especially of an infectious disease, because that’s not a common occurrence anymore in our society,” said Kauai District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman. “So I think it is a sad reminder that COVID is very much still with us and that it can be a serious disease.”
The DOH confirmed 10 other COVID-19 deaths over past seven days — three on Hawai‘i Island and seven on O‘ahu. With the exception of a Big Island man between the ages of 50 and 59 years of age, the deceased were all over the age of 70. Almost all the deaths reported last week, including the Kaua‘i youth, had confirmed underlying conditions.
The COVID-19 virus has had a disproportionate impact on the older population both in Hawai‘i and globally. A total of 79 percent of COVID-19 deaths statewide have been individuals over the age of 60, while only 1 percent were under the age of 29.
Yet, the disease can still be deadly for young people. An Oxford study released this week determined that COVID-19 was a leading cause of death among young people — ranking as the eighth most common cause of death between August 2021 and July 2022.
The study found COVID-19 was the underlying cause in 2 percent of youth fatalities, making it more deadly than influenza or pneumonia.
“In general, it’s a less severe disease in younger people,” said Berreman. “But if you or your child are the unfortunate one in whom it’s severe, then those odds don’t really make a lot of difference.”
Berreman recommended getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, wearing a mask, and avoiding crowded situations when possible.
COVID-19 cases declined last week on Kaua‘i and statewide.
From Jan. 24 through Jan. 30, there were 41 new COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i and 766 new cases statewide, compared with 56 and 1,052 new cases the week prior.
Kaua‘i’s seven-day COVID-19 case average was four cases a day and the Kaua‘i test positivity rate was 5.7 percent, compared with 4.7 percent statewide.
Free home COVID tests from the federal government are available to households via mail by visiting covid.gov/tests or calling 1-800-232-0233.
In addition, the county is renewing its partnership with the Kaua‘i District Health Office to distribute free home tests at neighborhood centers this spring.
For a list of testing locations, visit kauai.gov/COVIDTest. For information about vaccine providers and the services they offer, people can visit the vaccine-finder map at hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine. For a list of vaccination locations on Kaua‘i, visit kauai.gov/vaccine or call the DOH Kaua‘i District Health Office at 808-241-3495.
