2-month-old tests positive for coronavirus in Nashville, among youngest reported cases in U.S.

NASHVILLE - A 2-month-old who has tested positive for COVID-19 in Nashville is the youngest reported case in Tennessee and likely among the youngest in the country.

Metro health officials confirmed 293 cases on Thursday, 36 new cases in a 24-hour period. The new cases shows nearly a 100-year age range between those reporting the illness in Nashville.

The youngest is a 2-month-old and the oldest a 94-year-old.

Dr. Alex Jahangir, the city's coronavirus task force chair, said the infant has mild symptoms and is home "doing well."

The city broke down the ages of cases more narrowly Thursday, reporting that three children under the age of 10 have tested positive for the virus. The largest group, with 125 cases, are people between the ages of 21-30.

Officials said 12 people remain hospitalized while 52 people are reported as "recovered."

Children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but they are not immune from the disease.

According to statewide data — which has a lag time compared to localities — 12 confirmed cases are children under 10.

Children have generally presented mild symptoms, the CDC reports, like cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported.

It is unknown if children with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of severe disease.

The CDC recommends these steps to protect children from getting sick

  • Clean hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer;

  • Avoid people who are sick (coughing and sneezing);

  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily in household common areas;

  • Launder items including washable plush toys as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items.

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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: 2-month-old tests positive for coronavirus in Nashville