Following the death of the 13-year-old teenager from Kamwatta, Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini) on October 04, a high-level team from the Ministry of Health (MOH) was dispatched to investigate the cause of death and the circumstances surrounding his death.
The teen died hours after taking a second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Prior to the team’s visit, the Ministry had asked that citizens refrain from speculation as vaccine hesitancy remains a cause of concern for the government.
A post-mortem was performed by a medical team led by Dr Nehaul Singh, Guyana’s Senior Pathologist on October 05. The team also included Dr Nancy Sitchao, a Pathologist and Dr Swarasite Persuad-Etwaria, Government Medical Officer. The post-mortem was witnessed by family members of the teen and the cause of death was identified in their presence.
The findings indicate a pre-existing condition that led to the death of the 13-year-old. The pre-existing condition identified was a cerebral aneurysm. The post mortem findings indicate a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, leading to a cerebral haemorrhage.
On examination, the site of the vaccination was not identifiable; there was no scarring or hematoma.
“There were no other post mortem findings of relevance,” the Ministry said.
The MOH extended condolences to the family of the young boy. It said that the Minister of Health, the Ministry of Health, and the Health Teams from Georgetown and Region One stand ready to provide all support to the family and community of Kamwatta.