The Ministry of Public Health confirms that a 3-week-old baby has sadly died of Severe COVID-19 in Qatar. The baby had no other known medical or hereditary conditions. This a stark reminder that people of all ages are at risk of being infected by COVID-19.
While very rare, most countries around the world have sadly recorded deaths among young children since the start of the pandemic. The death of the 3-week-old baby is just the second child to have died from COVID-19 in Qatar in nearly two years.
However, since the beginning of the pandemic children have been significantly less likely than older people to experience severe symptoms due to COVID-19, and the vast majority of cases among children are mild.
In this third wave of the virus a greater number of children are being infected and needing medical care than in previous waves. This is not because Omicron is more severe for children than previous variants, it is because Omicron is more contagious and infecting higher numbers of people.
This is a reminder of the important role that all members of the community have to play in the ongoing fight against COVID-19, through three main actions:
1. Getting vaccinated, including having the booster vaccine when you are eligible without delay (including pregnant women) - vaccination protects you and those around you.
2. Isolating yourself from other people if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and getting tested if needed.
3. Adhering to the precautionary measures including wearing of masks, social distancing and regular hand washing, as well as adhering to COVID-19 restrictions.
The Ministry of Public Health extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May Allah the Almighty grant them the power to overcome this difficult time.
Source: Ministry of Public Health