The Louisiana Department of Health has reported that a 17-year-old from New Orleans has died of coronavirus, the youngest fatality from the virus in the state.

The teenager is one of 18 deaths announced in the state on Wednesday, bringing the total to 83.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Governor John Bel Edwards said that an investigation into the teenager’s death was ongoing.

It is unknown whether the individual had any underlying health conditions.

“This does illustrate the point that everyone is at risk ... there is some percentage of population regardless of age and health who are at risk of having serious and severe complications ... and that includes death,” said Governor Edwards.

“This virus knows no limits... it really does not discriminate," he added.

There are now at least 2,305 confirmed cases in the state.

“I hope the entire state of Louisiana is looking at these numbers and they are as concerned about them as I am,” said Mr Edwards.

The news of the teenager's death comes as the total number of cases in the US tops 80,000, with 1,100 deaths.