18-month-old boy in Singapore dies after suffering high fever and recurrent seizures from COVID-19

Singapore has reported its first death by Covid-19 in a patient aged 12 years old and below on Monday (June 27). The patient had no other past medical history and was previously well, said MOH.

The one-and-a-half-year-old male Singaporean who contracted the virus passed away on Monday; the cause of death was encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) due to Covid-19, said the Ministry of Health (MOH).

He was conveyed to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) Children’s Emergency Department on June 21 due to a high fever, recurrent seizures and a subsequent drop in consciousness.

The child was admitted to the intensive care unit in critical condition the following day. He was diagnosed with severe meningoencephalitis, a severe neurological condition resembling both meningitis and encephalitis.

The polymerase chain reaction test for the patient was positive for Covid-19 as well as two other viruses – Rhinovirus/Enterovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, said MOH.

It noted that Covid-19 could result in severe disease, even in children and those without pre-existing medical conditions.

“Vaccination substantially reduces the likelihood of severe disease when one is infected,” said MOH.

It is recommended for all children aged five to 11 years to be vaccinated with the Pfizer BioNTech/Comirnaty vaccine, especially children with underlying chronic medical conditions.

The authorities will study the safety and effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines for young children under five once the dossier is submitted to us for evaluation by the manufacturers, added MOH.

“MOH extends our deepest condolences to the patient’s family. We understand that KKH is in contact with the family to provide the necessary support.”

MOH reported 5,309 new Covid-19 cases on Monday, indicating a recent surge in infections due to the newer Omicron subvariants known as BA.4 and BA.5.

The child’s death brings Singapore’s total Covid-19 deaths to 1,409. /TISG

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