THE Department of Health (DOH)-Eastern Visayas reported on Thursday, June 25, the first three deaths from coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Dr. Minerva Molon, health regional director, identified them as Patients EV-238, EV-255, and EV-382.
Molon said the three mortalities "have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and cardiac diseases, making them extremely vulnerable to Covid-19."
"The concerned local government unit of the Covid-19 fatalities followed meticulously the protocols on handling of human remains to prevent contamination and transmission of the virus," said the health official.
Patient EV-255 was a 65-year-old male and a resident of Barangay Inasuyan, Kawayan, Biliran.
A locally stranded individual (LSI) from Manila, he arrived in Kawayan last June 11, 2020 via a private van together with five other family members.
Swab samples were taken on June 14, 2020 along with his family and he was tested positive for coronavirus.
He had existing medical conditions such as hypertension, congestive heart failure and diabetes mellitus, according to Molon.
"Patient EV-255 died on the same date when the swab samples were taken and was diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress, Diabetes Mellitus type II and Uncontrolled Cardiovascular Disease. Per validation and review by the mortality review committee, it is Covid-19-related death," Molon added in a statement.
The second recorded death was Patient EV-382 from Barangay Aguiting, Sitio Madapao, Kananga, Leyte.
A 47-year-old male and another LSI, the patient arrived from Cebu on June 15, 2020.
"The following day, while he was in their staff house in Ormoc City, he complained of severe chest pain. Hence, he was brought to OSPA Hospital," Molon said.
Swab samples were taken on June 17, 2020, and the patient tested positive for coronavirus on June 20, 2020.
The patient was then transferred to City Unified Hospital (CUH) in Ormoc City.
While the patient was in the hospital, his condition worsened and he was hooked to a mechanical ventilator, according to Molon.
The patient died on June 24, 2020 due to severe pneumonia secondary to Covid-19 and acute myocardial infarction.
But Molon said the patient had no contact with anyone from Kananga town.
Patient EV-238 was an 80-year-old female and a local resident of Barangay Poblacion, Tarangnan, Samar.
She was confirmed with Covid-19 last June 16, 2020 and was immediately isolated in Samar Provincial Hospital.
"Due to her existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma, the patient was referred to Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) on June 20, 2020. Her condition progressed and became severe," Molon said.
The patient died on June 24, 2020 with a diagnosis of multi-factorial shock such as cardiogenic shock, septic shock from community acquired pneumonia (high risk) and acute kidney failure.
"This is the first local transmission Covid-19 death in the region," added Molon.
As Covid-19 cases in the region have reached 467 on Thursday, Molon warned that the best way to protect the public and the vulnerable group from the disease "is to stay at home, keep yourself healthy and practice the general preventive measures such as wearing of mask, frequent hand washing, practicing cough etiquette and social distancing." (SunStar Philippines)