Another virus death in El Paso brings toll to 23; elderly account for most of the county’s deaths
EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso public health leaders on Wednesday evening reported the coronavirus death of a 90-year-old man, bringing the total number of deaths in the county to 23.
City/County Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza said this latest death had something in common with the majority of El Paso's other virus fatalities: The victims are predominantly elderly residents whom he called "the most vulnerable members of our community."
But the county's top doctor observed that much of the virus' spread in El Paso is actually taking place in younger populations, many of whom aren't even aware that they have the virus and may be transmitting it to those who are older and more susceptible to die from it.
"Whether you have symptoms or not, you may have the virus and not know it. This is why it is crucial to remain distant from anybody not living in the same household and wearing a face covering," Dr. Ocaranza said.
He noted there were 39 new Covid-19 cases around the county on Wednesday, boosting the total number of infections to date to 1,119. Health department data showed the overwhelming majority - 846 of those cases - actually involved people under the age of 60.
Officials said 68 El Pasoans who took ill from the virus were currently hospitalized, with 39 of those patients in intensive care. The hospitalization rate was virtually unchanged over the past day.
Below is the latest coronavirus case locator map and other demographic information on the virus outbreak as provided by the health department.
The map shows the amount of positive cases by zip codes, with the number of cases in red dots: 79821 (2), 79835 (32), 79836 (7), 79838 (10), 79849 (22), 79853 (19), 79901 (5), 79902 (13), 79903 (42), 79904 (34), 79905 (56), 79907 (52), 79911 (7), 79912 (82), 79915 (49), 79922 (5), 79924 (52), 79925 (44), 79927 (62), 79928 (77), 79930 (32), 79932 (47), 79934 (29), 79935 (25), 79936 (150), 79938 (164).
