Doctors say influenza did not cause child death

Pediatrician Jorge Sales Marques

A 4-year-old child died at the Conde S. Januário Hospital yesterday morning after it was discovered she was suffering from heart disease and hyperthyroidism. While receiving treatment at the hospital, the child developed a fever and contracted Influenza A, but doctors say that was not the cause of her death.

The girl was initially admitted to the hospital’s emergency ward on January 13 with cardiac problems. Her heart was dilated and after physical examination, the doctors understood that she was suffering from heart disease and hyperthyroidism.

Despite treatment, the child’s condition worsened until she stopped responding and suffered a heart attack. The doctors tried to resuscitate her, but were unsuccessful.

At a press conference organized yesterday by the Health Bureau, doctors stressed that influenza was not the cause of the child’s death.

“Regarding the child that died this morning, the parents did not know that she had hyperthyroidism and heart problems. The diagnosis for these problems was made here at the hospital,” said pediatrician Jorge Sales Marques at yesterday’s press conference.

“Influenza A had nothing to do with her death. It was simply discovered in the middle of this case. A serious thyroid problem was the main reason [for the death].”

Macau is in peak season for the flu and the past week has seen the admittance of several children to Macau hospitals with serious cases of the virus. As of yesterday, about 127,000 influenza vaccines have been administered out of the 170,000 ordered by health services in the city.

Meanwhile, a male child of four years, who was admitted last week with a life-threatening case of the virus, has started to recover. As of yesterday he was receiving medication and the state of his health was improving, according to doctors at yesterday’s press conference.

The medical professionals added that two other children who were hospitalized due to influenza have seen their situation improve substantially and are now in a stable condition.

During the press conference, it was revealed that the occupation rate of hospital beds at the central hospital reached 95 percent, slightly more than usual. At Kiang Wu Hospital 75 percent of the available beds are being used.