Three children who died from COVID succumbed before reaching hospitals

Over the past few days, there have been four reported paediatric (children) COVID-19 deaths and the health authorities are investigating them, particularly since three of the children died before even getting to any hospital for treatment.

The children who died were: a 14-month-old baby boy from Region One (Barima- Waini) who died on January 11; a three-year-old boy from Region Four (Demerara- Mahaica) who died on January 9; a six-year-old girl from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) who died on January 10; and, a three-month-old baby girl from Region Four who died on January 14.

With these four children dying in a short span of time, concerns have been raised.

“This is something that we will do some further investigations on because of the four, three were dead before arrival to the hospital,” Dr. Anthony said.

He did not say which three children died before arriving at any hospital but he noted that in “some cases”, it was reported that the child was irritable the night before and by next morning, had difficulties breathing.

But, he said that the ministry needs further details to ascertain what might have led to their deaths.

As such, a “small committee” at the Health Ministry will be reviewing the patient charts and investigating the deaths more thoroughly.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister said that a total of 15 children have died from COVID-19 since March 2020.

According to him, many of these children had comorbidities (that is, other underlying diseases) and so the COVID-19 infection only worsened their health.

He did not state whether any of the four children who died recently had comorbidities.