Mississippi health officials are sounding the alarm as the Delta variant surges, leading to an increase in hospitalizations among children. Despite the availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for those aged 12 and older, this variant poses a significant threat, particularly to younger populations who are not yet eligible for the vaccine.
Dr. Thomas Dobbs, the State Health Officer, shared via a brief tweet that there are currently seven children in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with two requiring ventilators. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that children typically experience milder COVID-19 symptoms, Mississippi healthcare providers are observing a troubling trend of more severe cases among kids, which they attribute to the Delta variant, now the predominant strain in the U.S.
Dr. Alan Jones, an associate vice chancellor for clinical affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, noted a rise in pediatric admissions compared to earlier in the pandemic. However, state officials have not disclosed further details about the affected children, such as their ages or medical histories.
In a concerning move, Governor Reeves has indicated that there will be no mask mandate for students or staff in schools this coming fall, despite the alarming rise in pediatric cases. His press secretary, Bailey Martin, confirmed that masks are not a priority.
The state is experiencing a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, largely attributed to the spread of the Delta variant. Dr. Dobbs remarked that the variant has almost completely taken over transmission within the state. He expressed alarm over the current surge, although hospitals are not yet overwhelmed.
Over the past three weeks, Mississippi has seen its daily COVID-19 case average more than double, with hospitalizations increasing by 26.7 percent. Notably, Mississippi has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country, with only about one-third of the population vaccinated. Dr. Dobbs emphasized that the state’s low vaccination rates endanger everyone, particularly the most vulnerable.
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In summary, as the Delta variant continues to spread in Mississippi, health officials are raising concerns about rising pediatric cases. With low vaccination rates and no mask mandates in schools, the situation remains critical for vulnerable populations, especially children.