CDC: COVID-19 trends in individuals aged 0-24 years

Editor's Note

This study by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that COVID-19 cases in children, adolescents, and young adults increased during the review period (March 1-December 12), with spikes in early summer, followed by a decline, and then a steep increase from October through December. Incidence also increased with age.

In general, incidence and percentage of positive tests in preschool children (0-4 years) and school-aged children and adolescents (5-17 years) paralleled those in adults throughout the summer and fall, including the months that some schools were open for in-person education.

Data do not indicate that increases in incidence of COVID-19 in adults were preceded by increases in incidence in preschool- and school-aged children and adolescents.

Incidence in young adults (18-24 years) was higher than in other age groups throughout the summer and fall, with peaks in July and September that preceded increases in other age groups.

The findings suggest that young adults contribute more to community transmission of COVID-19 than do younger children, the researchers say.