Considering the increase in COVID-19 cases among minors, the
Ministry of Health (Minsa) —through the National Institute of Child Health (INSN) in Lima's Breña district— called on parents to take extreme preventive health measures and avoid overexposing their children so as to protect them in the context of the pandemic.
INSN-Breña Medicine Director Franklin Aranda emphasized that —only at the COVID-19 contingency area of this institution— 70 minors have been hospitalized so far this year, of whom 2 were transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to their critical condition.
Additionally, the physician explained that —during the first wave of the pandemic— the number of hospitalized patients amounted to 514.
"Out of the total, 33 were diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome. In addition, 15 patients were admitted to ICU, of whom 8 required mechanical ventilation," he noted.
Dr. Aranda advised parents and caregivers to strengthen prevention measures for themselves and their children, such as frequent hand washing, physical distancing, correct use of face masks and face shields when outside and in public transportation, as well as avoidance of crowds.
The physician remarked that if a COVID-19 case is identified at home and the child develops a cold or abdominal pain within the first 15 days, he or she must be taken immediately to a health facility to receive medical care.
This happened to Ayse, who —at her young age of 4 years— has had to fight for her life. The girl was discharged after 4 days in ICU.
The minor came to the triage area on February 13, where she was diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19, which is why she was transferred to ICU on the same day.
Thanks to timely treatment and constant monitoring by
healthcare workers, she left ICU to continue her recovery in the contingency area.
Ayse is currently at home in Lima's Carabayllo district along with her family.
(END) NDP/SRE/RMB/MVB
Publicado: 23/2/2021