A tragic incident unfolded in Santiago de Cuba as Alex Romano, a previously healthy two-month-old infant, passed away early Wednesday morning at the North Children's Hospital, often referred to as "La Ondi." His sudden deterioration occurred shortly after receiving vaccinations at the José Martí Polyclinic, leading his family to allege medical negligence and demand justice.
Heartbreaking Allegations Emerge
The devastating event took place in the José Martí District, where young Alex lived with his family. On Tuesday morning, as part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule, his parents took him to the local polyclinic for his age-appropriate immunizations. What was supposed to be a standard visit, according to the family, turned into a nightmare.
A relative, speaking to independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta, shared the distressing details through digital platforms. "The doctor struggled to find a vein and kept pricking his leg. When he came home, he wouldn't stop bleeding," the family member recounted.
Initial Symptoms Following Vaccination
After the injection, Alex returned home. However, persistent bleeding and his inconsolable crying alarmed his caregivers. Concerned for his wellbeing, they brought him to the North Children's Hospital later that afternoon. Despite their worries, medical staff assured them that "everything was fine" and sent them home. Yet, as time went on, his condition worsened.
"By 9 PM, they rushed back to La Ondi because Alex was crying excessively and struggling to breathe. We were told he suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away just before midnight," the source detailed.
A Night of Desperation Ends in Tragedy
Despite efforts to save him, Alex succumbed shortly after midnight. While the preliminary cause of death was noted as a suspected "cardiorespiratory arrest," his family believes it may have been linked to improper vaccine administration.
Community members and friends of the family have taken to social media to describe Alex as a healthy, developing child. "What should have been a typical day for Alex Romano’s two-month vaccinations turned into a tragic cycle of hospital visits, ending in the heartbreaking death of an infant," summarized Mayeta.
Photographic Evidence Raises Concerns
A particularly alarming aspect of the case involves a photograph shared by Mayeta Labrada, depicting the infant with a large, dark hematoma in the groin area, near the upper thigh. The image has sparked intense debate among healthcare professionals, users, and concerned mothers, as the affected area does not align with standard intramuscular injection sites.
The reaction has been a mix of outrage and demands for medical accountability. Observations centered on two main issues: the incorrect anatomical location for the procedure and the apparent inadequacy of the involved staff's training. "That's not where vaccines are administered, my God! This madness must have consequences"; "Vaccines should be administered in the outer middle third of the thigh. You must aspirate to avoid injecting into a blood vessel"; "This wasn't a vaccine, it seems more like a femoral blood draw"; "Even a femoral draw shouldn't cause such a dark hematoma. That baby must have suffered greatly," were some of the healthcare workers' comments.
These statements have underscored an urgent call for justice and transparency regarding the incident. The consensus among those speaking out is that the visible injury does not align with proper medical practices, whether for vaccination or blood extraction.
Alex's mother has opted for an autopsy to determine the cause of her son's death and plans to file a complaint against the doctor at the José Martí Polyclinic who is allegedly responsible. The small white casket of young Alex was laid out for visitation on Wednesday at the Santiago Funeral Home, as his grieving family seeks answers.
As of the time this report was concluded, health authorities in the province have yet to comment on the matter.
Key Questions About Medical Oversight in Infant Vaccination
What were the initial signs of distress in Alex Romano following his vaccination?
After receiving his vaccination, Alex experienced continuous bleeding and inconsolable crying, prompting his caregivers to seek further medical attention.
How did the hospital initially respond to Alex's medical condition?
The hospital staff assured the family that Alex was fine and sent him home after an examination, despite the alarming symptoms he exhibited.
What evidence has fueled public concern about the vaccination procedure?
A photograph showing a large, dark hematoma on Alex's upper thigh has raised concerns about the procedure's correctness and sparked debate among health professionals.