Amidst the fear of a Covid-19 third wave, as many as 10 children, including four infants, have tested positive for the virus at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) here.
Of the infected kids, four are newborns (aged under 28 days) and they are under observation at the 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 the 2-10 age group. Two of the children have been referred to the SCB Medical College Hospital, Cuttack.
Meanwhile, a three-month-old baby girl succumbed to the virus in Balangir district as reported by the Health and Family Welfare Department on Thursday.
The Baleswar Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO) said, “A 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. Nevertheless, the district administration is all prepared to treat paediatric patients in the impending third wave.”
The official added, “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.”