Odisha: 10 kids test COVID positive; 3-month-old baby succumbs to virus

Balasore: Amidst the fear of COVID-19 third wave, which is expected to arrive in Odisha in October, as many as 10 children, including four infants have tested positive for the virus at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) here recently.

Of the infectees, four are newborns (aged under 28 days) and under observation at Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the hospital. Besides, three kids are in the age group of one to one and a half years and remaining three in 2-10 age group.

Besides, two children have been referred to Cuttack yesterday, sources said.

Meanwhile, a three-month-old baby girl succumbed to the virus in Balangir district, as reported by the Health and Family Welfare Department today.

However, the Balasore Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO) Mrutyunjay Mishra said there is no indication of third wave in the state yet.

“Few cases have been reported at the DHH. But the surveillance teams have not corroborated the claims of paediatric population mostly being infected with the virus, recently. Nevertheless, the district administration is all prepared to treat paediatric patients in the impending third wave,” he said.

The senior health official further said, “children are definitely at risk as they have not been vaccinated against the virus yet. They should remain fully cautious and avoid going out. Women should encourage their children to wash hands at regular intervals and wear masks.”

Worth mentioning, health experts have cautioned that children will mostly be infected with the virus during the third wave of the pandemic.