A 12-year-old is fighting for her life at a hospital in Atlanta, U.S., after testing positive for COVID-19.
The girl, who has been named only as Emma, is reported to have no pre-existing medical conditions after being diagnosed with pneumonia and then the novel coronavirus.
Her cousin Justin Anthony told CNN Emma was on a ventilator and is currently in a stable condition at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta-Scottish Rite Hospital.
“The patient remains in isolation, and we have consistently used appropriate precautions. Additional details will not be released due to patient privacy laws,” said hospital spokeswoman Jessica Pope, as per CNN.
Justin said his cousin’s condition should serve as a warning to young people that they can get it and they need to take social distancing recommendations seriously.
“Here’s a 12-year-old fighting for her life,” he told CNN. “People need to practice social distancing. People need to take care of their children.”
He added that doctors at the hospital where Emma is being treated think she may be one of the youngest cases in Georgia, and she has “zero health issues”.
He wrote on Facebook on March 21: “2 days ago she started coughing blood and her lungs got worse and she had a transfusion. They then had to put a central line to her heart.
Her vitals are better today but she’s on a ventilator and unable to breath on her own. Please pray for her recovery!!! ?????? “
Those over 60 years old and those with underlying health conditions are thought to be most at risk from of death from the novel coronavirus.
Children are not immune to the virus but are thought to be showing mild symptoms if they do contract it.
We wish you a speedy recovery Emma. Please share to send strength and support to Emma’s family.
