MCLENNAN COUNTY, Texas — Waco-McLennan County Public Health officials reported the county's first COVID-19 pediatric death Monday.
Officials said the boy was 11-years-old and that he was in a pediatric hospital outside of the county.
“We have had our first pediatric death from McLennan County. It’s just really heartbreaking news for us," Spokesperson Kelly Craine told 6 News.
It is not known at this time whether the boy had any underlying conditions.
"My heart breaks for all of those who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19 over the past 18 months. And on behalf of the city, my family and I send our condolences and prayers for peace, comfort, courage and love to the friends and family of this child. This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that we must all continue to do what we can to protect the vulnerable from the spread of COVID-19," Waco Mayor Dillon Meek said in a release announcing the death.
The young death comes just months after the county's first coronavirus-related fetal deaths in the county, which were reported to have happened in July, according to McLennan County health officials.
The tragic news comes on the heels of the county announcing a new COVID-19 treatment center opening in the county. The center will open at TSTC with the goal of treating patients and decreasing hospitalizations.
The 10-chair regional treatment center is for those how have tested positive for the virus who are not yet hospitalized or on supplemental oxygen.
“It’s going to help you recover, it’s going to help you feel better, but it’s also going to keep you out of the hospital," Craine said. "Most people say that they do see relief and they do feel better after they get the treatment."
The treatment is free, however you must be positive for COVID-19 and have a referral from a doctor. Craine said If you don’t have a primary care physician, you can still get treated.
“You can call the center and they can work with you to get you a referral and make an appointment for you. So, it’s open to everyone. It’s free. We want to remove barriers, but you do need to be verified before you can get the treatment," Craine said.