The Institute of Maternal and Child Health (Ayinke House) of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos, has confirmed that it recorded a COVID-19 related death on Saturday.
According to reports, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu confirmed that the state had recorded another death from complications of coronavirus.
Ayinke House is a 170-bed healthcare centre, upgraded on April 24, 2019, and domiciled at LASUTH, Ikeja.
However, a reliable source at the hospital told newsmen that the patient was referred to Ayinke House from Alimosho General Hospital, and was admitted on April 8 for ailment of “puerperal sepsis” with a high index of suspicion of COVID-19.
Puerperal Sepsis is an infection in the female genital tract within 10 days of childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion.
According to the source, the patient’s temperature was high and her sample was taken for COVID-19 test on April 9, with the outcome of the result being positive for COVID-19.
“Unfortunately, the patient had died by the time we got the result,” the source told newsmen.
Also this was confirmed in a memo by Prof. Tokunboh Fabamwo, Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, to staff members of the hospital on Saturday.
It reads: “From the CMD, Saturday 11th April 2020 CORONA VIRUS POSITIVE MORTALITY IN AYINKE HOUSE.
“A case of puerperal sepsis with a high index of suspicion of COVID-19 was admitted on Wednesday.
“LASUTH management was notified on Thursday about the suspicion.
“The normal protocol for testing was activated and the test was carried out. The patient eventually died this morning and the test came out positive.
“The corpse is awaiting evacuation to Yaba. The emergency unit where she was managed will be fumigated immediately and shut down for 48 hours.
“All the doctors and nurses, as well as other health workers who came in contact with the patient, are being audited regarding the practice of universal precautions.
“The news from HOD OB & Gyn is that it was unlikely any of them did not practise universal precautions since there was a high level of suspicion.
“In case we find any staff who came in contact without precautions, such staff will self isolate and be tested in five days time.
“The Honourable Commissioner for Health has been briefed about the development and is in total agreement with all the steps that we are taking.”
- NAN