Just In: Coronavirus kills medical doctor in Akwa Ibom

A medical doctor in Akwa Ibom State, Dominic Essien, has died after reportedly showing symptoms of the deadly coronavirus.

Chairman of the state’s branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nsikak Nyoyoko,  confirmed the doctor’s death in a statement made available to Onyxnews Nigeria.

He said Dr Essein was taken to the Ibom Specialist Hospital in Uyo where he died.

“I was called last night by a colleague who intimated me that one of our colleagues was sick with a week history of fever, cough and shortness of breath which worsened yesterday with his SPO2 as low as 72%, requiring him to be placed on oxygen at his clinic.

“I immediately called upon a member of the State #COVID19 Response Team to swing into action and somehow, later last night, our colleague was admitted into ISH and managed by specialists in respiratory medicine.

“With the symptoms elucidated above, a suspicion of COVID-19 was entertained and he had his sample taken today awaiting transportation to the laboratory for COVID-19 testing. Unfortunately, this revered colleague of ours died midafternoon.”

Dr Essien, was a physiotherapist, who owned a private clinic in Uyo and also a lecturer in the Department of Physiology, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

Currently, Akwa Ibom state has six confirmed cases of coronavirus.

On the other hand, this reliable online news platform reports that the one and only coronavirus patient left in the Enugu state isolation centre has been discharged.

The commissioner for health, Enugu State, Prof. Ike Obi, on Friday April 17, announced the discharge of the second coronavirus patient from the state’s treatment and isolation centre for COVID-19.

With this, the two cases in the state have now been discharged after testing negative for the deadly virus, as the state ministry of health yesterday, April 16, announced the discharge of the first case recorded in the state.

The commissioner, Prof. Ik Obi, said, “We encourage our people to continue to stay home, try not to touch your face without having washed your hands, maintain strict hand and respiratory hygiene, wear a facemask in line with the NCDC’s advisory and maintain physical distancing.”

Prof. Obi called on residents of the state to contact the state relevant authorities on 08182555550 or 09022333833, or the NCDC number 080097000010 when they experience, or suspect health problems related to the pandemic virus.