The flu-like illness known as COVID-19 is surging in California, with nearly 1.4 million kids under the age of 18 now infected, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
That's up half a million from January, and health experts expect the number of cases to keep rising.
The virus causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and body aches, and it's especially dangerous to young children, the Los Angeles Times reports.
According to the CDC, it's the eighth leading cause of death for children in that age group, and it can lead to hospitalization and even mental health problems.
On Thursday, US Sen.
Alex Padilla held a virtual conference with representatives from California's leading children's hospitals to call for more vaccinations against COVID-19.
"Scientists with months of careful research report that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and it is effective for kids, it lessens complications of COVID-19," Padilla said, per the Union-Tribune.
"Now we're seeing this increase in the mental health crisis and pandemic."
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