The seeming increase in sudden deaths among youths continues, with news reports detailing the loss of another boy, aged just 14.
Caoimhin Mallon, a teen from Lurgan, North Ireland, died suddenly earlier this month at Craigavon Hospital after a sudden and brief illness. His family and local community is devastated after the sudden loss of the boy, who was described as pleasant and kind.
Mallon was active in sports and a pupil at St. Roman’s College, where he played Gaelic sports. According to the Mirror, his sports team and his school were deeply mourning his loss as a community.
“The Committee and members of Naomh PoL CLC An Llrgain deeply regret the death of our player Caoimhin, loving son of Committee member Jude and member Donna and loving brother of our Secretary Daire and Saoirse,” a statement by the Gaelic Athletic Association read, according to The Mirror.
While Mallon’s cause of death has not been released, his family has established a fundraiser in his memory on Just Giving, with the funds earmarked for Asthma and Lung UK.
Reports of youth dying suddenly have dominated the headlines, creating debates regarding vaccination safety in a post-COVID-19 world.
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Young men are affected more than young women, with 71 percent of the victims being male and 29 percent women among the age group of 15-34.
The disturbing trend continued, with Today outlining a study conducted by Cedars Sinai Hospital of Los Angeles. The report showed an alarming 30 percent increase in cardiac-related deaths from the beginning of the pandemic, with a strong association with the COVID-19 virus.
Young people aged 25 to 44 were most affected. Doctors aren’t certain why the COVID-19 virus seems tied to the dramatic increase. Dr. Susan Cheng, a cardiologist at Cedars Sinai and co-author of the study, speculated on potential medical explanations, stating young people may have a stronger immune response and increased inflammation.
Cardiac complications can occur in even mild COVID-19 cases, and the risk for complications persists for an unknown period of time post-infection. According to the American Medical Association, a population study that analyzed antibodies present post-infection showed a range of error between one to nearly seven percent higher infections than reported cases, which may indicate more people are at risk than realized.
