The Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) is investigating the death of a five-month baby who was apparently misdiagnosed with chikungunya instead of being treated for bronchopneumonia, Chief Executive Officer Michael Khan said yesterday.
The infant, Eimi Patterson, died at the GPH after being on life support for 11 days in the Intensive Care Unit. She was buried yesterday afternoon.
According to the infant’s mother Cindy Best, Eimi fell sick three weeks ago with a severe cough.
She was taken to the public hospital for treatment, Best said, and a doctor told her that the child was exhibiting early signs of chikungunya. She said the doctor then gave her Panadol syrup for the infant and sent her away. However, a few days later the child’s condition worsened and Best took the child to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where a doctor told her that the child had bronchopneumonia.
Best subsequently took the child back to the GPH and asked the doctor who treated her
