A new study published in the journal Pediatrics has found that COVID-19 is a leading cause of death in children and young people in the United States. The study analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and found that among people aged 0 to 24, COVID-19 accounted for 16.5% of all deaths in 2020.

The study found that, despite the relatively low mortality rate among children and young people, COVID-19 is a significant cause of death for those aged 0 to 24. The study also noted that the mortality rate for this age group was higher than the overall mortality rate for the entire population.

Dr. Michael Grosso, an emergency room physician at Boston Medical Center, said the study’s findings were concerning. “This is an alarming statistic, and it underscores how important it is for all of us to take this virus seriously,” he said.

Dr. Grosso also noted that it is essential for parents to take steps to protect their children from the virus, such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and avoiding large gatherings.

The study’s authors concluded that the findings emphasize the need for public health measures to reduce the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations, such as children and young people.