2 newborns in Fabella Hospital test positive for COVID-19

Two newborns at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to Lei Alviz's Wednesday report on 24 Oras.

Both babies had shown signs of pneumonia upon birth. They are now in stable condition.

"On delivery at birth, medyo hirap silang huminga. Medyo malalim ang paghinga kaya kinakailangan ng oxygen, 'yung isa, kinakailangan na ma-intubate," said Dr. Maria Lourdes Imperial, chairperson of the Department of Newborn Medicine.

"Walang ibang exposure, expect na suspect and mother dahil nag-fever sila during labor and a few days prior to admission," she added.

One of the mothers had tested negative for the virus while the other is still a pending case. Based on DOH protocol, two negative tests are required.

Imperial said that although there was no evidence that the virus was passed from mother to child while in the womb, it is possible.

"Siguro possible siya kasi hinidi sila exposed sa mother paglabas dahil nailipat na sila sa NICU, isolation NICU, kasi nga kailangan mag oxygen," Imperial said.

"We are still finding out kung ano talaga ang trends ng mag transmission sa babies, kaya as of now mino-monitor namin all hospitals, lahat ng outcome ng mothers and babies na suspect cases," she added.

As of April 28, 71 babies from ages zero to four were among the nationwide tally of positive cases while there are 22 COVID-positive babies less than one year-old.

Of the 22, two have succumbed to the virus, a 29-day-old child from Batangas and one from Caloocan.

From the zero to four age group, eight have recovered.

Parents were reminded not to bring their children outdoors while those at home were advised to be careful.

"By nature kasi na babies sila, maaring hindi pa well-developed ang immune defenses nila talagang vulnerable group sila. Pinakamaganda ay tuloy-tuloy ang breastfeeding para 'yung resistensya ni baby ay medyo na-e-enhance," Imperial said. -- Joahna Lei Casilao/BAP, GMA News