ANOTHER infant was reported to have been infected with the coronavirus and is currently admitted at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).
He is reportedly the third baby who has been diagnosed with the respiratory infection in Davao Region.
Based on the Department of Health (DOH) Davao’s Regional Situation Update on Covid-19 in Davao Region as of May 6, the two-month-old baby is one of the six new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in Davao Region, bringing the total number of cases to 160.
The baby is from Mabuhay, Paquibato, Davao City. Authorities are still investigating the history of exposure of the patient.
SPMC chief Dr. Leopoldo Vega told SunStar Davao that the baby was born in their facility and stayed at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for two months. The baby also underwent surgery for congenital defects (Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula with Imperforate Anus).
After two months, the patient was discharged last April 25. However, on May 2, the baby was readmitted after suffering very severe pneumonia, cervical esophagostomy, double-barrel loop colostomy, imperforate anus, and was later confirmed to be positive for Covid-19.
Vega added that he could not confirm how the patient acquired the viral disease however, he noted that before readmission, the baby had a consultation in a hospital in Panabo City.
Vega said the patient is currently in stable condition and under close monitoring at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) 3 while on an O2 face mask.
According to the report, the symptoms of the baby manifested on April 29.
On May 5, two babies also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. One of them is a five-month-old female of Bunawan, Davao City. DOH-Davao is still investigating how the baby acquired the disease. The onset of her symptoms was reported on April 27,
On the same day, a six-day-old also from Bunawan, Davao City was also confirmed to be positive for the virus. It is still unclear how the baby got the virus. DOH has earlier said that there is no proof that the infected babies acquired the virus inside their mothers’ wombs.
Vega said that the six-day-old baby girl was delivered via cesarean section for fetal bradycardia at SPMC last April 26 and stayed at the ward for three days.
“[The baby was] sent home well with good suck, cry, and activity last April 29. Mother denies illness prior to delivery,” Vega said. After three days, the baby was readmitted on May 2 for fever and jaundice.
The youngest Covid-19 patient in Davao Region, after tests, was diagnosed for neonatal sepsis and has been positive for mild Covid-19.
The patient is currently admitted at the Covid-19 positive ward in SPMC and is in stable condition. The phototherapy was already removed after no more recurrence of jaundice and fever.