Baby dies from bite of centipede seen crawling out of bed

A one-year-old baby in Digos City, Davao del Sur died from infection due to the bite of a centipede.

In a "24 Oras" report by RGil Relator, Hyacinth de Leon was rushed to the hospital due to the unnatural swelling from what was suspected to be a bee sting.

The bite was confirmed to be from a centipede after the insect crawled out of the victim's bed.

“Nandiyan ang nurse at siya rin (nanay ng bata) ay nasa higaan ng bata, doon na may lumabas na centipede.” Magdalena de Leon, the victim’s grandmother, said.

“Sa tenga siguro ‘yun dahil sa ilalim ko naman nakita dahil puti ang cover ng higaan pati ang unan ay puti rin, klaro masyado siya.” she added.

Two days after hospitalization, Hyacinth passed away due to septic shock secondary to infected wounds and severe allergic reaction to allergens, which may have come from the centipede.

According to the Davao del Sur Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, centipedes carry venom that may be lethal to small children and babies.

“May venom sila, pero kung normal na tao as adult na siya, hindi siya fatal dahil may immune system tayo. Unlike mga babies, ang babies hindi pa masyadong developed ang kanilang immune system. Posible yun” said Deputy Protected Area Superintendent Camilo Victorias.

Meanwhile, the Digos City Health Office advised residents to consult a doctor in case of any unusual swelling or shortness of breath after getting an insect bite.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News