2-month-old baby dies of flu-like illness in City of Naga, Cebu

City of Naga, Cebu map. (Google Maps)
City of Naga, Cebu map. (Google Maps)

A TWO-MONTH-OLD infant from the City of Naga, Cebu, died on Tuesday afternoon, March 31, 2020, after experiencing coughing and fever.

In an official statement published Tuesday night on the City of Naga's Facebook page, Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong said the infant was "gasping for breath."

The baby boy was brought to the Vicente Mendiola Center for Health infirmary for cough and fever with loose watery stool around 3:30 p.m. March 31.

The mayor said the attending physician had administered IV fluids and oxygen to stabilize the baby, but he eventually expired at 4:45 p.m.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome secondary to severe pneumonia was identified as the cause of death.

"In adherance to the Department of Health (DOH) protocols that Influenza-like Illness—cough with fever and diarrhea—be reported and monitored, the City Government, through the City Health Office, coordinated and sought consent from the baby's parents for a swab sample to be taken," Chiong said.

She said personnel of the DOH-Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit Central Visayas are on their way to pick up the swab sample for possible coronavirus disease (Covid-19) testing.

"Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy go to the family of the baby boy during this time of bereavement," she said.

The City Government, with the parents' consent, has facilitated the cremation of the baby's remains within 24 hours, as a precuationary measure against the coronavirus in accordance with the DOH protocol.

While waiting for the test result, the City has assured its constituents that there is no need to panic.

"The City Government's proactive efforts to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in the local community continues to be in place. In the true spirit of transparency, we will update the local community of the result of the test, as soon as it is available," it said.

In the meantime, Nagahanons are urged to cooperate and follow the protocols in place for the duration of the province-wide enhanced community quarantine.

Residents are also encouraged to stay at home, maintain personal hygiene and disinfect their surroundings.

Nagahanons are also reminded that only one qualified member of the household is allowed to go out and buy daily necessities such as food, medicine and other home essentials.

Should a member of the family experience cough, sore throat and/or fever, they are advised to visit the concerned barangay health center for medical consultation "at the earliest time possible."

"Let us prevent the spread of the Covid-19 in our local community. With God's grace and the cooperation of all Nagahanons, we will overcome," Chiong said. (RTF)

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