ILOILO – A seven-year-old girl in Barangay Patlad, Dumangas, Iloilo died of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), becoming the youngest resident of Western Visayas so far to succumb to the viral illness.
Town mayor Ronaldo “Onal” Golez confirmed the child’s passing Thursday night in his official Facebook page, saying she was the municipality’s first recorded COVID-19 death.
“Ginakasubo ko upod ang mga opisyales sang atun banwa nga may isa kita ka casualty. Ini isa ka [case sang] local transmission,” read part of Golez’s statement.
According to the Municipal Health Office, the patient first experienced fever sometime around the third week of July.
On July 25, the patient sought consultation at a private clinic in Dumangas. She was requested to undergo diagnostic tests.
The patient was also brought by a family member to a traditional bone setter (hilot) on July 26 and July 29.
This family member claimed that the child’s fever subsided the next day and was allowed to attend a birthday party at a neighboring house.
It was on July 31 when the patient experienced difficulty of breathing and delirium.
She was taken to a district hospital in Dumangas. She underwent chest x-ray and findings showed severe pneumonia.
On Aug. 3, the patient was transferred to the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao, Iloilo City. She had her specimens collected for COVID-19 test.
The patient, however, died on the same day while being treated at the hospital.
Her confirmatory test results only came out on Aug. 6.
According to the Municipal Health Office, the asthmatic patient had no history of travel to places with confirmed COVID-19 cases and with no known exposure to an infected patient.
Golez said they have yet to determine the patient’s source of infection. He, however, asserted that she was a case of local transmission.
As part of precautionary measures, the mayor ordered temporary lockdown of Sitio Ilaya and Sitio Centro in Barangay Patlad beginning 6 p.m. on Aug. 6. This shall remain in effect until revoked or lifted.
In his Executive Order 47, Golez also enforced the following:
* barangays Ermita, Pulao and Cayos oare hereby ordered to conduct checkpoints in their respective boundaries
* constant and maximum police visibility be effected by the Dumangas municipal police station personnel to contain the further spread of COVID-19 disease in adjoining barangays
* road access within Baranvau Patlad except for Sitio Centro and Sitio Ilaya will remain open for motorists (passing through only) as to not hamper the normal flow of goods and economic activities in the adjoining barangays; motorists are discouraged to stop over or mingle with the populace of Sitio Ilaya and Sitio Centro
According to Golez, the town’s COVID-19 team rolled out contract tracing efforts for individuals who may have exposure to the patient.
He urged his constituents to strictly observe health protocols like social distancing, frequent hand washing and wearing of face mask.
“Ginapangabay ang mga pumuluyo sang palibot nga barangay indi anay magsagad lagaw-lagaw. Magpahimunong anay sa inyo panimalay,” Golez appealed.
Those experiencing fever, cough, sore throat, or difficulty of breathing, according to Golez, should immediately contact their respective Barangay Health Emergency Response Team.
On Thursday, Dumangas’ neighboring town – Barotac Nuevo – also reported that one of its residents diagnosed with COVID-19 died due to the illness.
The patient was a 76-year-old female of Sitio Utud, Barangay Tinorian, Barotac Nuevo, who also died while being treated at the WVMC, according to Mayor Bryant Paul Biron.
“This is to confirm that we have one positive case last night as per information of our Rural Health Unit (RHU). We regret to inform you that said patient died due to pneumonia secondary to COVID-19,” Biron announced on his Facebook page.
The elderly woman, according to Biron, was suffering from a kidney problem and frequently had dialysis in Iloilo City.
“Our RHU was informed by WVMC and contract tracing was started. Three family members were brought to the quarantine facility and another four were directed to continue their strict home quarantine,” Biron said.
While contract tracing is ongoing, Biron ordered a lockdown of Sitio Utod on Aug. 7 until Aug. 9.
He urged residents of the area to observe strict home quarantine as authorities conduct disinfection.
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus, according to the World Health Organization.
The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales.
These droplets also land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough.
Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell./PN
