Four members of a Wakapau Village family who were hospitalised after they mysteriously fell ill just over a week ago have been discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital, while an autopsy performed yesterday on the second of two family members who died was inconclusive on the cause of his death.
A relative, Samantha Thomas, told Stabroek News yesterday that 15-year-old Kishanna Thomas and Anasha Richards were discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) last Friday, followed by Norman Thomas and Richard Thomas on Saturday.
A fifth family member, Gavin Richards, remained hospitalised up to yesterday afternoon. He is presently warded in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the GPH but has shown signs of improvement.
Edward Richards and his daughter, Salema Thomas, succumbed after being hospitalised just over a week ago after they complained of feeling unwell.
Salema died around midday last week Monday. Two days after, around 2.15pm last Wednesday, Edward succumbed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital.
Autopsies performed on both of their bodies listed their cause of death as inconclusive. As a result, samples were taken to be sent overseas for testing.
Relatives were told that the results will be available within the next three to four weeks.
Charles Richards, Salema’s brother, had previously explained to Stabroek News that she and her husband were taken to the Charity Hospital two Fridays ago after they complained of feeling unwell.
Edward, who lived with the couple, fell ill the following day and was also admitted, followed by Gavin and Norman. “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 diagnosis but cannot confirm any,” Samantha said yesterday.
Samantha had said 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 have since denied speculation that they may have consumed cassava bread that was contaminated.
