28-year old Ghanaian-born nurse who was heavily pregnant and got infected with covid-19 in the UK has died.
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, according to British health officials died on Sunday from coronavirus after giving birth to her daughter through C-section.
Agyapong did not have any underlying health conditions before being infected with the virus.
Doctors had to perform an emergency caesarean on her to deliver and save her baby daughter who is said to be doing well.
But doctors have been unable to tell just yet if the baby girl tested positive for the virus.
Staff of Luton and Dunstable Hospital where Mary worked were told the decision to perform an emergency cesarean was taken after her condition deteriorated.
According to doctors her symptoms got worse after it was thought that she was recovering leading to her death.
Agyapong worked at Luton and Dunstable Hospital and her Colleagues praised her as “a fabulous nurse, and a great example of what we stand for”.
The NHS Trust’s chief executive, David Carter said in a statement that the survival of Mary’s baby daughter was a “beacon of light at this very dark time”.
The British news outlet Channel 4 has reported that sources at the hospital revealed that there have been regular shortages of gowns and widespread rationing of masks even during the time Mary was working there.
It is possible she may have gotten infected during this period.
Luton and Dunstable Hospital has defended its decision to allow Mary to keep working until March 12, saying it followed official guidance on pregnant staff.
NHS Trust’s chief executive, David Carter, said Mary “was a highly valued and loved member of our team, a fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this Trust.
“She tested positive for Covid-19 after being tested on 5th of April and was admitted to the hospital on the 7th April.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary’s family and friends at this sad time. We ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this time.”
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong is among some 45 British health workers who have died from the virus.
Source: Africafeeds.com