SAN ANTONIO — During Monday evening's update on the local coronavirus response, officials noted that the number of pediatric cases in Bexar County had risen to comprise 11.2% of the county's total cases. A Metro Health spokesperson provided Metro Health provided a breakdown of local pediatric cases Tuesday.
Of the more than 31,000 diagnosed cases of the novel coronavirus in Bexar County, 3,907 are cases affecting residents under 18 years of age, according to local health authorities. That information is through July 17.
Meanwhile, 211 of those are babies under 12 months old have been infected with the virus. Nearly 700 are cases in kids between 6 and 10 years old.
“What we typically see in infants is a less acute infection. However, infant’s immune systems are not as well developed as an adult. So it is something that we’re keeping a close eye on and is something that we’re very worried about," said Dr. Colleen Bridger, assistant San Antonio city manager and acting Metro Health director.
Baptist Health's Dr. Lynette Watkins noted how, in some of the rare cases, infants may experience fevers, develop rashes and endure cardiac issues.
Watkins assures the public that medical staff are ready to respond to the most severe of situations involving infected infants.
“Our primary care physicians and our pediatricians are very much attuned to that but we do take those cases very seriously as any case of a potential infection or actual COVID-positive young person," Watkins said.
Health officials urge pregnant mothers to stay indoors and avoid large gatherings of any sort. In addition to wearing a mask, parents are encouraged to keep their babies inside.
Two patients between the ages of 10 and 19 have died from coronavirus-related complications, representing the youngest Bexar County victims during the ongoing pandemic.
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LATEST CORONAVIRUS NUMBERS IN BEXAR COUNTY:
