A 13-month-old tot has become the youngest Australian to die with COVID-19 after passing away suddenly in her sleep.

The exact cause of Dakota Nenke’s death is currently unknown. However, the toddler tested positive for the virus after her sudden passing, reportedly becoming the youngest Australian to die while infected with the coronavirus.

The young girl, who hailed from the city of Adelaide in the state of South Australia, had contracted COVID-19 before being put to bed on the night of 27th December.

She passed away in her sleep aged 13 months, leaving behind a twin sister and two other siblings.

The girl’s parents Ryan Nenke, 29, and Karly Conry, 27, said the rest of the family tested positive after discovering that Dakota had died on the morning of 28th December.

Ryan confirmed that the family has been vaccinated, adding that they were worried about the victim’s twin Hallie, who was hospitalised for one day after Dakota passed away. The toddler now appears to be healthy and normal.

The victim’s aunt Kirsty Conry said on Facebook: “One week ago today we lost little Dakota. Since then, not a minute has gone by where I don’t think about you and for the rest of time you will always be in my thoughts.”

Family friend Brooke Page, who launched a GoFundMe campaign to help grieving relatives with funeral costs and living expenses, said: “Their darling 13-month-old Dakota grew her wings and went to heaven.

“She went to bed as per normal the night before and unexpectedly passed hours later. Rest peacefully our beautiful Dakota bear.

“Dakota leaves behind her three siblings who all loved and adored her beyond measure.”

Australia is currently seeing an average of 25,000 new cases a day, with South Australia the second-worst hit region with 122 cases per 100,000 citizens.