It has been more than a month since two members of a Wakapau Village, Pomeroon family died after they mysteriously fell ill and relatives are still awaiting the results from toxicology tests which were done to determine how exactly they met their demise.
The two family members were hospitalised on separate occasions in mid-June after they complained of feeling unwell.
On June 19th, Edward Richards, 76, succumbed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) after being hospitalised for about a week.
Two days prior to his death, his daughter, Salema Thomas had succumbed.
A relative, Samantha Thomas had informed Stabroek News that autopsies performed on both of their bodies listed the cause of their deaths as inconclusive.
As a result, samples were taken for testing.
Samantha had said that relatives were told that the results will be available within the next three to four weeks.
However, she explained yesterday that when she visited the hospital recently, she was told that the results are still not available. Upon enquiring when they will be, Samantha said she was told that she has to wait for another three to four weeks.
It remains unclear as to what which might have caused the delay.
Charles Richards, Salema’s brother, had previously explained to Stabroek News that she and her husband were taken to the Charity Hospital after they complained of feeling unwell.
Edward, who lived with the couple, fell ill the following day and was also admitted, followed by Gavin Richards and Norman Thomas.
“They get symptoms like vomiting. That lead to yellow eye, like pale yellow, and they urinate very dark in colour,” Charles had said.
It remains unclear what might have led to the family’s illnesses. “…The last I spoke to the doctor in the ICU, she said that they have three possible suspected diagnoses but cannot confirm any,” Samantha had said.
Samantha noted that even though doctors have not informed them of the diagnosis, the prescriptions she received to purchase injections for Gavin and Edward, listed their diagnosis as cyanide poisoning.
The family has denied speculation that they may have consumed cassava bread that was contaminated.
The other family members who were hospitalised have since been discharged and are said to be recovering well at home.
