As the numbers of COVID-19 cases increase, South Africa has recorded its first death of an infant due to Coronavirus.
According to Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, a two-day-old was born prematurely and had lung difficulties that required ventilation support immediately.
“The mother had tested positive for COVID-19 and the child subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 as well,” Mkhize explained.
“It is important to appreciate the complexities of the underlying condition of prematurity. We extend a special word of comfort to the mother of this child and salute the neonatologists, nurses and all allied and technical personnel who had the difficult task of caring for the neonate to the end.”
The baby is among the 27 who succumbed to the COVID-19 related illnesses, which brings the total national deaths to 339 as of Wednesday.
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country is 18 003, an increase of 803 in the last 24 hours.
-SA Government News
