SAN ANTONIO, Texas – A nine-year-old San Antonio girl died just days after the positive test for COVID-19, says her family, who are now trying to clarify how COVID-19 can affect children.
Makenzie Gongora, a fourth grader, was in after-school care when she started feeling bad, her aunt Victoria Southworth told KSAT.
“Kenzie was complaining of a very bad headache, and so they took her temperature, and she had a fever,” said Southworth.
Gongora’s mother took her to the Brooke Army Medical Center, where the nine-year-old girl tested positive for COVID-19, according to Southworth, who says the doctors told the Gongora family “the standard thing they said to parents with children with COVID, especially without breathing problems, to keep an eye on her, keep her comfortable. “
Southworth said her family watched her closely over the weekend and that Gongora appeared to be improving. “She seemed to be recovering. Sometimes she didn’t feel very well. She started to throw up at one point,” said Southworth.
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According to Southworth, on February 1, the girl complained that she was feeling tired and had an upset stomach. She went to bed and her mother went to check on her.
Gongora passed away shortly after midnight, says Southworth. Gongora’s family believes the girl’s death was related to COVID, but they are still waiting for a report from the coroner.
“We want to raise awareness because whatever has caused it, there just needs to be a general change in the way people approach children and COVID,” said Southworth.
Gongora is expected to be buried at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
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