Two-Day-Old Baby Becomes South Africa’s Youngest Coronavirus Victim- Health Minister

CHARLES MOLELE

A TWO-DAY-OLD baby is believed to be the youngest person to die from coronavirus in South Africa.  

The infant was among 27 people who are the latest to have died after testing positive for the virus, bringing the total number of national deaths in the country to 339, according to Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

The minister confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday evening that the two-day baby was the country’s first neonatal mortality-related to coronavirus.

“Sadly we have recorded the first neonatal mortality related to COVID-19- this was a 2 day old baby that was born prematurely and therefore had lung difficulties which required ventilation support immediately after birth,” said Mkhize.

“The mother had tested positive for COVID-19 and the child subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 as well. It is important to appreciate the complexities of the underlying condition of prematurity. We extend a special word