Pregnant woman from Kalinga succumbs to COVID-19, baby survives

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The COVID-19 virus is no longer classified by the health department as a major public threat but the health officials in Kalinga province reminded the public of maintaining basic health precautions after a pregnant woman passed away due to complications linked to the virus.

The recent fatality was unvaccinated and had a pre-existing heart condition, according to the report of Certified Applied Epidemiologist, Ferdinan Nonog of the Office of the Provincial Health Office (OPHO) during the June 9 Kapehan.

The woman was from Balbalan and had been staying in Tabuk City since mid-May with no travel history outside the province.

Initially, she sought treatment for chest pain, epigastric discomfort and a persistent cough and was admitted to the Kalinga Provincial Hospital on June 2.

The patient’s baby was safely delivered via cesarean section.

After giving birth, a rapid antigen test confirmed the mother had contracted COVID-19 on June 4. That same day, she was referred to Cagayan Valley Medical Center. Despite medical efforts, she died the following day.

The local government unit of Balbalan had already implemented necessary protocols. Contract tracing had been conducted and all those who had close contact with the patient were placed under quarantine to prevent potential transmission.

Health and local authorities assured that the isolated case should not be a cause of panic, as all precautionary measures are already in place, especially close monitoring.

The public, however, is encouraged to continue practicing preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, mask-wearing in crowded places, and the use of alcohol-based sanitizers.