How COVID-19 Patient Died In Our Custody - LUTH Explains

Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, has released a statement on Saturday narrating how a COVID-19 patient died within the hospital on Friday.

The authority stated that the patient recently returned home from Holland and was tested positive of COVID-19.

In a statement released by the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Professor Chris Bode through Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), said the person was brought unconscious to LUTH Emergency late within the evening of Wednesday, April 2 by his friend.

Adeyemo said, 

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

"He was handled professionally by the Infectious Diseases Consultant and his team without unduly exposing LUTH staff to danger. He died a couple of hours later.

“Further investigations later revealed he had earlier performed a test at Yaba soon after he travelled back to Nigeria from Holland and therefore the test was positive.

“He was a known diabetic hypertensive patient. He also had a kidney transplant for chronic renal disorder and was on immunosuppressant drugs.

“The corpse has since been handed over to the acceptable Unit of the Lagos State Ministry of Health for safe burial consistent with international best practices.

“Our Department of Community Medicine has moved swiftly to trace, follow-up and assist gallant staff who managed the patient.”

The LUTH management implored all members of staff to continue observing strict standard protocols when handling all patients as medical personnel is especially at increased risk from such undisclosed exposure.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi also confirmed the man’s death on Twitter.

He described the event because it's the first #COVID19 related death within the state.

He said: 

“The deceased was 55 year old Nigerian male who lived in Holland but returned to Lagos fortnight ago. 

"He had a kidney transplant seven years ago and was also diabetic.”