The confirmation of a patient’s death from Coronavirus at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos was made by Prof. Chris Bode, LUTH Chief Medical Director. This was conveyed in a statement issued by Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of LUTH, on his behalf.
According to Prof. Chris Bode, the 55-year-old patient was brought unconscious to LUTH Emergency late in the evening of Thursday, April 2 by his friend. Even though they denied any recent travel history, his symptoms strongly suggested Covid-19. The patient was attended to by the Infectious Diseases Consultant and the team but unfortunately passed away a few hours later.
His body being evacuated from LUTH
Subsequent investigations revealed that he had tested positive for Covid-19 after returning to Nigeria from Holland and had pre-existing health conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and a kidney transplant, requiring immunosuppressant drugs.
The deceased’s body was handed over to the appropriate unit of the Lagos State Ministry of Health for safe burial as per international best practices. LUTH’s Department of Community Medicine has initiated the tracing and follow-up of the staff who were involved in the patient’s care.
LUTH management emphasized the stringent adherence to standard protocols by all staff, especially considering the increased risk of undisclosed exposure for medical personnel. The hospital is also ensuring the availability of necessary resources for the effective management of such cases and is fast-tracking the completion of an isolation facility.
Below is a video showing the deceased being evacuated from LUTH by NCDC emergency officials.
Supposedly Died of coronavirus in LUTH open emergency ward. Relatives lied about patient’s history. Nigerians r vile..why lie about history? Why? pic.twitter.com/WSfXlashAg
— Bants-a-maker Dante™ (@ThaNephilim) April 3, 2020