85 Infants Test Positive For COVID-19 In One Texas County

Health officials in Nueces County, Texas, are sounding the alarm after a review of coronavirus data found that 85 infants, all under the age of one, have tested positive for COVID-19. The county, which includes Corpus Christi, has seen the fastest growth in new cases over the past week compared to other metropolitan areas in the state.

"We currently have 85 babies under the age of one year in Nueces County that have all tested positive for COVID-19," Annette Rodriguez, director of public health for Corpus Christi Nueces County, told CNN.

"These babies have not even had their first birthday yet."

She did not provide information on their condition.

The spike of cases began in July, as the state was beginning to reopen its economy. In Corpus Christi, there have been more than 8,100 cases of COVID-19 and 82 deaths related to the virus.

"You can see the trend line is relatively flat until July, and this is where we have had that huge spike in cases, and this is why it's turned into a major problem for Nueces County," Corpus Christi city manager Peter Zanoni said.

As hospitals across the state fill up, Rodriguez urged people to take precautions and follow social distancing guidelines to slow the spread of the virus.

"Please help us to stop the spread of this disease. Stay social distanced from others; stay protected. Wear a mask when in public, and for everyone else, please do your best to stay home," she said.

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