Which six states reported the largest increases in COVID-19 cases among children in early September?

The selection of Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota as the states reporting the largest increases in COVID-19 cases among children aligns with observed trends during that specific time in early September. These states, particularly in the Midwest and areas with smaller populations, experienced significant spikes in transmission rates for young individuals, largely influenced by a combination of factors such as seasonal school reopenings and lower vaccination rates among children compared to adults.

In contrast, other options included states like Texas and California, which, while experiencing COVID-19 cases, did not report the same magnitude of increase among the pediatric population during that period. This correlates with the national focus on specific regions where surges were particularly acute, influencing the selection of certain states over others. Understanding state-level data and trends can help frame the public health response in the context of vaccination strategies and mitigation efforts tailored to high-risk areas during surges.