Facts essential at time of tragedy for family
- Death of 11-month-old girl in the wake of two other child fatalities during the fifth coronavirus wave has heightened the fears of parents
The death toll from Covid-19 has surged past that of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) outbreak of 2003, prompting sobering comparisons. It has taken much longer than Sars, which was less contagious but more deadly. But the sheer number of coronavirus infections will result in many more deaths.
The accelerating toll of the fifth local wave of infection has extended the concentration of deaths in older age groups. Along with the fact that the dominant Omicron variant is often mild or asymptomatic, this can engender complacency among younger people. But Omicron may still make anyone of any age very sick. There is no conclusive evidence that it poses little danger to preschoolers, toddlers and infants. Indeed overseas experience, especially in the United States, shows children of all ages, including infants, can get Covid-19 and suffer complications. A contributing factor is that only about two-thirds of Americans are fully vaccinated.
The case has been referred to the coroner. The results of further investigations are anxiously awaited. Our thoughts are with the extended family in their anguish, amid concerns for younger and older members. The tragedy followed the Covid-linked deaths of a boy, aged four, and a girl, three. It is to be expected that parents, many conflicted about whether to have small children jabbed, are worried.
These remain isolated cases with unique circumstances. That probably does not make them any less worrying for parents, even if it is too soon to draw conclusions. At this stage they need an informed understanding of events, not ill-informed speculation, which can give rise to unnecessary anxiety. That is why, subject to safeguards for privacy, there are calls for more detailed analysis. When it comes to preparedness for an evolving pandemic and decisions about vaccination, people need fact-based information. Meanwhile, not just parents but all of us cannot be too diligent in complying with best anti-infection practice.
