Assam Records 96.67% Covid Spike Among Below 18 Age Group In 2nd Wave

Assam also witnessed over three times increase in deaths of the below 18 year age group of which 55 per cent were toddlers - 0 to 5 years age group.

Assam has recorded an alarming 96.67 per cent rise in COVID-19 infection among children and teenagers below 18 years from the first wave to the second wave of the pandemic, even though the state has seen only a 27.31 per cent rise in the total number of cases. The state has also witnessed over three times increase in deaths of the below 18 year age group of which 55 per cent were toddlers - 0 to 5 years age group. The statistics send an alarming message at a time when the Delta Plus variant, which has already made its presence in the country and is predicted to be the reason behind a possible third wave, according to researchers, may infect children more than the Delta variant that has been found in the second wave. Assam Health Minister Keshab Mahanta had earlier said that the samples sent for analysis between April and May, 77 per cent had the presence of the Delta variant.