Swedish toddler injured on holiday
2013-01-21 22:22
Johannesburg - A 2-year-old Swedish girl suffered
pulmonary contusion injuries from a fall at Sea Point, the City of Cape Town
said on Monday.
Spokesperson Wilfred Solomons-Johannes said Alma Krook
had stood against the rail on Sunday, when she bent forward she fell down the
embankment onto the rocks and sand.
She was on an excursion with her mother and a friend when
the incident occurred between Marine and Olive Street on the Sea Point
Promenade.
She was taken to the Red Cross War Memorial Children's
Hospital.
"Earlier today [Monday] the medical doctor on duty
at the hospital confirmed that the child suffered pulmonary contusion [bruises
of the lung] that is caused by chest trauma."
He said the child also suffered soft tissue injuries.
"This is as a result of damage to capillaries
[vessels], where blood and other fluids accumulate in the lung tissue.
"The excess fluid interferes with gas exchange that
can potentially lead to inadequate oxygen levels [hypoxia]."
He said the doctor indicated the child should remain in
hospital for observation until Tuesday, for her condition to improve.
"The doctor also indicated that no air travel be
undertaken until next week as the flying by a pressured aircraft can cause harm
to the health of the minor."
The Swedes were due to leave South Africa on Monday.
They have extended their stay and rescheduled the
flights.
Swedish consular in Cape Town, Nils Erik Warner, had been
informed to notify the embassy in Pretoria regarding the incident.
- SAPA
