LUTH Confirms Death of COVID-19 Patient

Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, confirmed on Saturday the death of a COVID-19 patient in the hospital.

Prof. Chris Bode, Chief Medical Officer of LUTH, made this known in a statement issued by Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, Chairman of the LUTH Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), on his behalf.

According to him, a man was brought unconscious to the LUTH Emergency late on Wednesday, April 2, by his friend.

“Although they denied any history of recent travel, their presentation strongly suggested Covid-19.

“He was treated professionally by the infectious disease consultant and his team without unduly exposing the LUTH team to danger. He died a few hours later.

“Further investigations later revealed that he had already been tested at Yaba shortly after returning from the Netherlands to Nigeria, and the test was positive.

“He was known as a diabetic hypertensive patient. He also had a kidney transplant for chronic kidney disease and used immunosuppressive drugs.

“Since then, the corpse has been handed over to the appropriate Unit of the Ministry of Health of Lagos for safe burial, in accordance with best international practices.

“Our Department of Community Medicine moved quickly to track, monitor and assist the gallant team that managed the patient,” said Bode.

He said that the LUTH management implored all employees to continue to observe strict protocols, while treating all patients as medical personnel is especially at increased risk for undisclosed exposure.

“Every effort is being made to ensure the availability of all the items necessary to continue the effective management of cases that arrive at LUTH.

“Efforts are also underway to complete the installation of LUTH insulation for the management of any possible spillage from the Yaba Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), if the increase in patient load continues,” said Bode.