COVID-19: Youngest Fatality in Singapore Was Declared Coronavirus-free A Week Before Death

Bidding a loved one goodbye is never easy, especially when your heart is not prepared for it. And how can we ever be ready?

COVID-19 infections have claimed the lives of many over the world, regardless of nationality or age. Just like how it claimed the life of Ms Salha Binte Mesbee on 30 April—the youngest fatality in Singapore so far as of 5 May.

The death of the 58-year-old female Singaporean citizen came as a shock for the family for she was declared free from coronavirus by the doctor a week prior to her death, said her eldest child Ms Siti Noraisah Ali to Berita Mediacorp.   

Declared Free from Coronavirus 1 Week Before Death

According to the news outlet, Salha (Case 703) was confirmed positive for COVID-19 on 26 March after visiting Turkey together with her husband. It was said to be their first “honeymoon” to celebrate their wedding anniversary after 38 years of marriage.

While Salha had no pre-medical conditions prior to the viral infection, according to 37-year-old Noraisah, she developed several complications from the COVID-19 infection.

This led to her becoming severely ill and had to be warded in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 

“Her lungs were weak and her blood pressure low. Then it started to spread to other organs such as her kidney and heart. The doctor said she was one of the more critical patients,” said Noraisah. 

Still, the after-effects from the virus took a toll on Salha’s body, despite the doctor’s clearance, according to her.

Her Condition Deteriorated

“We were told Mama’s condition had deteriorated, the effects of the virus had reached her brain and hope was thin,” said the housewife who operates a home-based business. 

According to Noraisah, the doctor did a CT scan on her mother during her last night and found swelling in her brain.

While reliant on life support in the ICU thus far, Salha passed away the next morning on 30 April.

“The doctor confirmed she was brain dead and she was relying on the life support system. We had to make the decision to keep going or to let her go.”

Thankful for Support

Still, Noraisah said that her family is grateful that they were allowed to see Salha for the final time. The family could also bring Salha’s body home to conduct normal burial rites as she had been declared virus-free.

“My parents were always together. Currently, we are giving our father the full support he needs to move forward,” she said to Berita Mediacorp. 

Salha Binte Mesbee and her husband. | Photo: Palat Toro / Facebook

Salha’s son had also dedicated a Facebook post to his deceased mother and to thank those who have supported the family during this trying time. 

The post read:

“All praise to God, my beloved mother Salha Binte Mesbee has been safely buried and the burial went smoothly. I would like to thank everyone for their prayers, gifts and time. I would like to apologise if I speak harshly or if I was unable to respond to everyone’s messages. Once again, thank you everyone.”

The deceased Salha Binte Mesbee who was declared free from coronavirus 1 week prior to her death. She fought against COVID-19 but succumbed to death from several complications. | Photo: Palat Toro / Facebook

Salha leaves behind her husband, their three children and five grandchildren aged between two and nine. 

Salha, case 703 is a family member of Cases 682, 702 and 975 and a contact of Cases 760 and 798.

Apart from Salha who succumbed to the disease, Noraisah said that her father and two sons were also confirmed COVID-19 patients who have since recovered. The family underwent treatment at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. 

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