El Paso reaches 90 virus deaths with youngest victim yet: Woman in 20s
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso recorded its youngest fatality yet of the coronavirus pandemic on Friday, with health leaders announcing the death of a woman in her 20s.
That took the county's death toll up to 90.
“What might be concerning for some is the age of this patient. Up to now, the majority of our deaths have been older persons, while our youth seem to be mildly impacted," said City/County Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaraza, although he noted she did have an underlying health issue.
“Every death is not just a number. Each of these individuals are someone’s loved one and we grieve with them for their loss,” El Paso's top doctor continued. "Which is why we must take the necessary precautions to take care of ourselves and our loved ones, especially those at higher risk.”
Health officials indicated that of those El Pasoans diagnosed with Covid-19 to date, about 50 percent were exposed as a result of close contact with family members, friends or co-workers, while another 20 percent came about from community spread - which are cases occurring among those who did not have any known contact with someone who was infected.
"Infected persons with little to no symptoms can still spread the virus to others and the people they spread it to may become seriously ill or even die," Dr. Ocaranza explained.
Along with the new death reported Friday, health department data also showed large triple-digit increases in both additional cases and recoveries.
With 144 new coronavirus cases, there have now been 3,213 total cases in El Paso County. However, 212 new recoveries were announced which means that the number of active cases decreased from 1,059 to 990.
Hospitalizations among El Pasoans also decreased from 106 to 98, while there are currently 54 patients in the ICU, and 34 people are on ventilators.
Free coronavirus testing has been extended in El Paso County until June 12.
For a detailed look at the latest coronavirus data from the health department, click here.
