Photo: Getty Images
Health experts are concerned about a potential surge in COVID-19 pediatric cases as the rate of infection among children remains "exceptionally high."
Federal data shared by AAP.org shows nearly 2,000 children are currently hospitalized with confirmed or suspected cases of coronavirus nationwide, ABC News reports.
The high number in pediatric cases is, however, technically decreasing as admissions have dropped more than 30%, but hospitals have been admitting more than 250 children on average each day in relation to COVID-19.
Health officials in Ohio -- which currently ranks second among most pediatric COVID-19 hospitalizations nationwide -- are warning that the crisis has reached a critical level.
Front-line workers at Dayton Children's Hospital told ABC News they've been dealing with a "record number" of COVID patients since the spread of the delta variant within the state this summer.
"We're seeing an increase in our census that's been astronomical," said charge nurse Will Andres. "[It's] pretty hard to keep our heads above water, day in and day out."
More than 210 children are currently hospitalized in relation to COVID-19 throughout the state of Ohio as of Wednesday (September 30).
"We are seeing more and more positive results. We're seeing more and more people coming in and requesting testing. It's just overwhelming," said Amy Temple, a pediatric emergency room nurse, via ABC News.