Samples from 6-Y-O Lindener who died test negative for COVID-19

Laboratory results have determined that a six-year-old girl who died at the Linden Hospital Complex on April 08 was not infected with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) but there are concerns that the results may be compromised since samples were taken from her body for testing more than 36 hours after she died.

The child suffered from mild fever, shortness of breath and tummy pains and was rushed to the emergency room.

The pediatric team immediately conducted some X-rays and other tests and it was recommended that she be transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for a higher level of care, however, she died before medical staff were able to have her transported to Georgetown.

Acting Medical Superintendent of the Linden Hospital, Joseph London said in a statement from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) on Sunday that her condition was suspicious but they were unable to conduct a test on her before she died.

An emergency meeting was held and a decision was made by Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr Karen Boyle to take samples from the body which were sent for testing 36 hours after she died as opposed to the required 24 hours.

The results came back negative; the cause of death was listed as respiratory failure.

According to the RDC statement, Dr. Boyle during the emergency meeting raised the possibility that the samples may have been compromised.

“It was important for the medical staff to have tested her within 24 hours after she would have died but taking into account that she may have already been taken to the morgue where she is in the fridge I am not sure if the samples being taken off will yield proper results,” Dr Boyle was quoted in the statement as saying.

“I would like to urge the medical team to conduct a test and even of it comes back negative this can be because the sample may have been compromised and not a case whereby, she is negative,” Dr. Boyle added according to the statement.

Linden so far has one confirmed case of the deadly disease. As of April 11, Guyana recorded 45 cases of the COVID-19, including six deaths.