The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, says the 55-year-old man, who died from complications of COVID-19 tested positive for the disease before he sought treatment at the hospital.
In a statement, Chris Bode, chief medical director of LUTH, said the patient was brought into the emergency unit of the hospital. unconscious on Wednesday.
The deceased, who returned into the country from Holland two weeks ago, was said to have lied to doctors at LUTH about his health condition and travel history.
But Bode said the patient was professionally handled by the hospital’s staff who did not expose themselves to danger.
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“Although, they denied any history of recent travel, his presentation strongly suggested Covid-19,” the CMD said.
“He was handled professionally by the Infectious Diseases Consultant and his team without unduly exposing LUTH staff to danger. He died a few hours later.
“Further investigations later revealed he had earlier performed a test at Yaba soon after he travelled back to Nigeria from Holland and the test was positive.
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“He was a known diabetic hypertensive patient. He also had a kidney transplant for chronic kidney disease and was on immunosuppressant drugs.
“The corpse has since been handed over to the appropriate Unit of the Lagos State Ministry of Health for safe burial according to international best practices.”
The director urged all members of staff to continue observing strict standard protocols while handling all patients.
“Our Department of Community Medicine has moved swiftly to trace, follow-up and and assist gallant staff who managed the patient,” Bode said.
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“All efforts are being made to ensure the availability of all required items to continue the effective management of such cases that come to LUTH.
“Efforts are also in top gear to complete the isolation facility in LUTH for management of any possible spillover from the Yaba Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), if the surge in patients’ load continues.”
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