12-year-old girl dies of pneumonia in Davao sports meet

A 12-year-old girl participating at the 2019 Davao Regional Athletic Association (DAVRAA) died this Friday due to multiple organ failure caused by pneumonia and severe dengue.

Hadia Eronico from Lupon, Davao Oriental was competing in the elementary volleyball game of DAVRAA in Davao City when she was brought to the Southern Philippine Medical Center on Wednesday and was no longer allowed to participate.

According to RGil Relator's report on "Balita Pilipinas," Eronico's fever comes and goes even before she played in the sports meet.

William Jova, Davao Oriental discipline in-charge from the Department of Education, said " 'Yun nga ang nakuha nating information na ang bata before ang training, parang may iniinda na siyang lagnat."

Eronico's condition worsened and she was finally rushed to the hospital. However, doctors' efforts failed to revive her.

The incident has prompted the DepEd Davao region to launch an investigation and conduct strict medical examination on the athletes to determine their fitness to play.

According to DepEd officials in the region, all athletes underwent medical tests before the games.

DepEd officials in the region said they are "saddened" by the incident.

"We are really trying our best to give information so that we can appropriately respond,"  Dodong Atillo, spokesperson of DepEd Region XI said.

The remains of Eronico has been brought home for her burial.

Meanwhile, the Davao City heath office said the child athlete did not get dengue from the city.

"Ang history niya meron siyang fever papunta dito, tapos hindi naman siya na-report," Josephine Villafuerte, Davao City health officer, said. "Kung meron kang fever o meron kang nararamdaman, unfit ka for the athletic meet."

Still, as a precaution, a mosquito fogging service was conducted within the classrooms of the school where the athletes are billeted.

Doctors have also examined the other athletes who have shown signs of fever and  gave them a dengue rapid diagnostic examination.

Villafuerte said, "Meron kaming out of ten, lima ang may UTI. Lima ang may viral infection, flu. So, alam na natin na maraming flu ngayon so tsaka 'yung rainy season. So, na-expose 'yung mga bata."

A team was also sent to check the condition of the athletes.  The Davao City local government offered help for the athletes who needed to be hospitalized. —Kaela Malig/ LDF, GMA News