DOH-13 confirms first Covid-19 death in Caraga

The Department of Health in the Caraga Region (DOH-13) confirmed the first Covid-19 death in the area, a 55-year-old male from Butuan City.

The patient experienced symptoms on July 3 and was admitted to a health facility on July 14, developing difficulty breathing during hospitalization.

The case is believed to be a local transmission as the patient had no known travel history outside Butuan City or exposure to a confirmed case.

The patient's final diagnosis included acute respiratory syndrome, community-acquired pneumonia, Covid-19, and septic shock.

Following DOH protocols, the patient's body was buried within 12 hours of death.

DOH-13 is coordinating with local contact tracing teams to identify and quarantine close contacts of the deceased, with swabbing already conducted.

DOH-13 regional chief Jose Llacuna Jr. expressed empathy for the family and urged the public to adhere to minimum health standards, including staying at home, wearing face masks, and maintaining physical distance.

As of Wednesday, Caraga had 169 recoveries, 75 active Covid-19 cases, and now one recorded death.