85 Babies Under The Age Of 1 Test Positive For COVID-19 In Texas' Nueces County

The United States has reported over 3.8 million cases of novel coronavirus, with the disease taking the lives of nearly 140,000 people. According to a recent report, 85 babies below one year of age have tested positive for COVID-19 in Texas since mid-March.

In July, post a flattening trend, there was a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases reported in Nueces County, with SARS-CoV-2 infecting a number of babies too. To prevent more people and babies from being infected, health officials are urging people to wear masks and practice social distancing measures.

"We currently have 85 babies under the age of one year in Nueces County that has all tested positive for Covid-19. These babies have not even had their first birthday yet. Please help us stop the spread of this disease," CNN health quoted Annette Rodriguez, director of public health for Corpus Christi Nueces County.

In a statement, Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales said 85 infants under the age of one tested positive and this reflected the cumulative total of positive tests for infants since mid-March.

"For context, the spokesperson was using that statistic to illustrate that no one is naturally immune to this virus. While the elderly and those with existing medical conditions are at greater risk of illness and death, anyone can get the virus, from the elderly to infants, and without regard to race, gender, or economic status. The number was used to illustrate this point," Canales told Nuecesco.

Many believe there was a sudden surge in the number of infants who tested COVID-19 positive, but the report highlighted this wasn’t the case.

"We have NOT had a sudden surge of 85 infants testing positive," Canales said.

The county had been aggressive in testing the family members of those infected, especially people who are at high-risk. This might have accounted for a higher number of COVID-19 cases among infants below the age of one.

The statement also mentioned the death of a baby under the age of one. The infant was brought to the hospital with unrelated symptoms and tested COVID-19 positive while at the hospital and later died at home. An autopsy was underway to find out the cause of death.