The death of a doctor in Akwa Ibom State due to symptoms resembling those of the Coronavirus has been confirmed by the Chairman of the state’s branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nsikak Nyoyoko. The deceased, identified as Dominic Essien, was reportedly taken to the Ibom Specialist Hospital in Uyo, where he eventually passed away.
According to Nyoyoko’s statement, the doctor had been unwell for a week, displaying symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. His condition worsened, with his oxygen saturation levels dropping to 72%, requiring him to be placed on oxygen at his clinic. Despite being managed by respiratory medicine specialists, he unfortunately did not survive. There were suspicions of COVID-19, and his samples were taken for testing.
Dr. Essien, who owned a private clinic in Uyo and served as a lecturer in the Department of Physiology at the University of Uyo, is said to have succumbed to the illness. Akwa Ibom presently has six confirmed cases of COVID-19.