KUCHING: The possible cause of the recent death of a three-month-old baby at Jelukong Bus Stop, Sri Aman on Dec 4 was due to sepsis with complications of meningitis.
Sarawak State Health Department director Dr Ooi Choo Huck said the cause was determined from reports following interviews with the baby’s parents, medical records and physical examination of the baby’s body.
“Therefore, the Sarawak State Health Department would like to advise the public to take their babies or children to the nearest health facility (clinic or hospital) immediately if they find that the baby or child is unwell,” he said in a statement today (Dec 19).
Dr Ooi also said that based on the final investigation report, the mother and the baby were travelling from Kuching to Sarikei on Dec 4 to seek traditional treatment, and the baby’s mother noticed that her baby was not breathing when they stopped at the bus stop.
“The baby was taken to a nearby hospital where the baby was pronounced dead,” he said.
However, he said an autopsy was not performed as the family members did not give their consent. The baby’s body was then brought home by the family and buried at the longhouse cemetery in Ulu Pakan, Sarikei.
Earlier on Dec 9, Dr Ooi in a statement said that physical and radiology examinations were performed on the baby.
“However, after discussion with police officers from Skrang police station, the baby’s family members and the hospital management, the autopsy was not performed,” he said.
