US Coronavirus: 18 Members Of Texas Family Positive For COVID-19 After A Surprise Birthday Party

A family in Dallas had 18 members positive for COVID-19 after they celebrated a surprise birthday party on May 30. Three of these relatives -- two elderly and an immunocompromised cancer patient -- are now at the hospital.

Ron Barbosa's family celebrated the 30th birthday of his daughter-in-law. While he was not able to attend the party, he is now keeping track of the sick relatives as a volunteer EMT who is also married to a doctor.

The party was hosted by his nephew, who apparently went golfing prior to the event. Barbosa believes that his nephew may have contracted the virus there and experienced a slight cough.

The nephew, who works in construction, disregarded the cough as work-related, but he unknowingly infected seven of his relatives despite observing social distancing at his home. Those relatives then transmitted the virus to 10 other relatives who were either at the party or at other family gatherings, which they frequently did.

"It wasn't that long. It was only a couple of hours," the EMT said, adding that there were at least 25 party guests, who came at different times during that day. "But during that brief time, somehow the other 18 family members are now infected with COVID."

Barbosa's parents, Frank and Carole, who are in their '80s, are now in the hospital along with his sister, Kathy, who has breast cancer and has been undergoing chemotherapy. Kathy was also not at the party, but she interacted with family members who were there.

While Kathy is recovering well, Frank and Carole are struggling. Carole has been confined since June 13, while Frank brought at the hospital on June 17. He is in the ICU and on life support.

"My dad's hanging on by a thread," Barbosa revealed. "They're saying this is one of the last straws for my dad."

Barbosa posted an appeal on Facebook for plasma donations for his father.

"Family and friends we have a 'Frank Alert.' We need plasma from anyone who has had Covid. Please join the Caring for Carole Facebook page. My sister Kathy, my mother Carole and my father Frank need your prayers. If you can donate plasma do it!! Just remember you have to be totally COVID free."

Studies from China showed that people are likely going to contract coronavirus from family or household members. In one research involving 105 COVID-19 patients, 16% of contacts in the same family tested positive for the virus.