The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) management, yesterday, raised alarm over the sudden rise in the number of new severe Covid-19 infections in hospitals.
It expressed concern over the fact that most of the patients are on oxygen, while many others come in when they are in critical condition.
This came after the Federal Government revealed its plans to begin the administration of the Covid-19 vaccine on Nigerians before the end of March.
Following the rising cases of Covid-19 and non-compliance to provisional safety protocols by civilians, there are indications of yet another possible lock down in Lagos State to curb the alarming spread of the virus.
Addressing the situation yesterday, Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Chris Bode said, “We have seen an upsurge in the number of people who keep treating malaria instead of going for Covid test. Many of such then start using all sorts of steam inhalation and home remedies for their cough and chest congestion. It is not helpful to do this, especially if you are also diabetic, hypertensive or with a number of other health baggage or above the age of 60.” He said most patients dying delayed going to the hospital till it was almost too late.
Bode who disclosed that most of patients at the hospital were on oxygen added that 20 patients were on oxygen at the moment and more deaths were being witnessed.
“The present trend is worrisome and if it continues, it may overrun our capacity before we can ramp up again to catch up. So, let us hearken the directives given by the authorities.
“This is not to alarm the people but rather to alert us all to what is happening and call on each person to do again what we have done very well before. Every life is precious and we implore Nigerians to do whatever is needed to save our people.”
Bode said in the last 72 hours, there has been a build up of cases and Nigerians need to observe all the basic rules. He urged Nigerians to shelve all forms of social engagements, wash their hands, wear face masks, maintain a social distance of at least six feet and avoid face to face meetings with others.
Speaking also, Head of the infection unit at LUTH, Iorhen Akase observed that over the last two weeks, there have been deaths of Nigerians in their 20s and 30s due to coronavirus, appealing to Nigerians to begin to protect themselves.
He said as long as new infections continue to occur, the country may not be able to control the pandemic and the situation may overwhelm health facilities across the country.
He disclosed that through the collaboration of other hospitals, LUTH has been able to discover new variants of the virus in the country, adding that the new mutation can only be stopped if people adhere to Covid-19 guidelines.
The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, CMAC, Wasiu Adeyemo, also urged Nigerians to disregard conspiracy theories around Covid-19, saying that the hospital recorded zero patients between October and November, but that the numbers of patients are on the rise.
