First Covid-19 Related Death in a Child Under 12 in Singapore
A one-and-a-half-year-old Singaporean boy passed away on June 27, 2022, after suffering from brain inflammation (encephalitis) following a Covid-19 infection. The Ministry of Health (MOH) reported that the cause of death was linked to a combination of Covid-19, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Enterovirus infections.
While RSV is a common respiratory virus, it can cause severe illness in infants and the elderly. Enteroviruses, usually mild, can lead to more severe disease in vulnerable populations such as newborns and those with underlying health conditions.
This marks the first Covid-19 related death in a child under 12 years old in Singapore, as confirmed by the MOH. The toddler, who had no prior medical history and was previously healthy, was admitted to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) on June 21, 2022, after presenting with a high fever and recurrent seizures. His condition worsened, leading to a loss of consciousness.
On June 22, he was admitted to the Children’s Intensive Care Unit, where he was diagnosed with severe meningoencephalitis. Tests revealed the presence of Covid-19, Rhinovirus/Enterovirus, and RSV in his system.
The MOH reiterated that while Covid-19 typically causes mild symptoms in children, it can sometimes result in severe disease, even in those without pre-existing conditions. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, and the ministry strongly recommends the Covid-19 vaccine for children aged five to 11, particularly those with chronic medical conditions.
The health authorities are also evaluating the safety and effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines for younger children under the age of five. KKH is providing ongoing support to the child’s family during this difficult time.
