The recent volcanic activity of Mt. Kanlaon has claimed its first casualty with the death of a 9-month-old baby boy staying in an evacuation center in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
The child, from Brgy. Masulog, La Castellana, was staying in an evacuation center with his parents when he passed away on Christmas Day.
The child whose name is being withhled considering that he is a minor exhibited symptoms of cough and runny nose on December 23, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said.
His condition worsened, leading to vomiting and fever. He was referred to the Don Salvador Benedicto Memorial District Hospital but unfortunately succumbed to cardiopulmonary arrest.
The immediate cause of death was identified as acute gastroenteritis with severe dehydration, resulting in electrolyte imbalance.
Diaz emphasized that the case is isolated as no other children in the evacuation center, which houses 41 other children, displayed similar symptoms.
