Newborn babies and their mothers at Leeds hospital are tested after displaying coronavirus symptoms as experts warn more pregnant women could be infected
- Newborns and their mothers underwent checks at Leeds General Infirmary
- A newborn baby in England became the world’s youngest victim to test positive
- Experts have also warned more pregnant women are likely to be infected
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Babies showing symptoms of coronavirus have been tested in Britain – sparking fears over infection among the young.
Newborns and their mothers underwent checks at Leeds General Infirmary after displaying signs of the virus, including breathing problems.
It comes after yesterday a newborn baby in England became the world’s youngest victim to test positive for the deadly virus.
Babies showing symptoms of coronavirus have been tested in Britain – sparking fears over infection among the young (file image)
The child’s mother was rushed to hospital days ago with suspected pneumonia but her positive result was only known after the birth. The pair are being treated at separate hospitals as the mother’s condition is understood to be worse than the baby’s.
The newborn is being treated at North Middlesex Hospital where it was born, while the mother was moved to a specialist infections hospital.
And tonight a mother at Leeds General Infirmary revealed to The Sun that babies have also been tested there for the killer bug.
She said: ‘The nurses in paediatrics were rushed off their feet. One said they were having to carry out tests on babies there — as well as their mothers.
Newborns and their mothers underwent checks at Leeds General Infirmary (pictured) after displaying signs of the virus, including breathing problems
‘It seemed either the babies, or mothers, or both, showed symptoms of coronavirus.
‘Another medic said they were in the best place, and that babies who do get the virus are likely to be OK.’
It is not known if any of the babies or mothers had tested positive for the virus.
Experts on Saturday also warned more pregnant women are likely to be infected.
Dr Edward Morris, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said that over the coming weeks and months it is likely pregnant women in the UK will test positive for coronavirus.
Experts on Saturday also warned more pregnant women were likely to be infected (file image)
A spokeswoman for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: ‘We are following national protocols, as any trust in the country will be doing.
‘If we admit any patients and they have symptoms, particularly respiratory symptoms, they will be tested.
‘We are talking about quite small numbers of patients.’
Officials have advised that pregnant women and babies are at low risk from coronavirus and are likely to only endure mild symptoms.
Unlike other infections, the mortality rate of coronavirus does not curve at both age groups, but only among the elderly.
The main risk of infection in babies after birth is believed to be sharing infective airborne droplets with the mother.
Source: Read Full Article