Camarines Norte COVID-19 patient dies despite negative swab

The first COVID-19 patient in Camarines Norte, identified as Bicol#61, passed away early Friday morning due to acute renal injury, despite testing negative in his second swab test.

The 45-year-old male patient from Labo town initially tested positive for COVID-19 on May 11, after experiencing symptoms on April 27.

He was admitted to Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital on May 4 and later transferred to Labo District Hospital, a COVID-19 facility.

His death certificate cited cerebrovascular accident as the antecedent cause, heat stroke as the underlying cause, and listed moderate pneumonia, dengue fever with warning signs, and COVID-19 as other significant conditions.

The patient was buried within 12 hours of his death following infectious disease protocol.

According to DOH Bicol regional director Dr. Ernie Vera, two negative tests with a 14-day interval are required to confirm a full recovery.

Vera emphasized the importance of continued contact tracing to prevent further spread of the virus within the community, as the patient had tested positive and was not fully recovered at the time of death.