Newborn triplets in Mexico infected with coronavirus, but parents are not

Newborn triplets in Mexico have all tested positive for coronavirus in what local health officials say is an an "unprecedented" case.

The triplets were born May 8 in San Luis Potosi, a state in central Mexico, to a mother who tested positive

The triplets were born May 8 in San Luis Potosi, a state in central Mexico, to a mother who tested positive. Source: Reuters

Mexican health authorities are trying to understand how a set of newborn triplets became infected with the novel coronavirus even though neither one of their parents tested positive for the virus.

Health authorities called the case "unheard of".

The triplets, a girl and two boys, were tested four hours after being born at seven and a half months last week in the central state San Luis Potosi, health authorities said.

Initially, health authorities said the mother was believed to be an asymptomatic carrier of the virus. But her tests later showed that neither she nor the father were infected.



"The parents' results are negative, which catches our attention," said Monica Rangel, secretary of health for the state, during a news conference on Tuesday.

"We specifically requested since yesterday ... that a group of experts investigates the case."
Two of the babies born on June 17 are in good health and show no symptoms of COVID-19, doctors treating the triplets said, while the third one has pneumonia but is in stable condition.

Rangel said the triplets will remain hospitalised and under observation.

According to a Reuters tally Mexico has reported more than 190,000 coronavirus cases and a total of 23,377 deaths, making it seventh in most virus-related deaths in the world, according to a Reuters tally. 

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits. Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store. SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at


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Published 25 June 2020 6:23am
Updated 25 June 2020 6:33am
Source: Reuters, SBS



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