Initial findings from the probe into the death of Police Constable Rockliff Cozier indicate that the drugs administered to him prior were not a contributing factor, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony said yesterday.
Meanwhile, the post-mortem has listed the cause of death as brain haemorrhage, brain edema and cerebellar herniation. A cerebral herniation occurs when brain tissue, blood and cerebrospinal fluid shifts from their normal position inside the skull.
The police last Tuesday reported that Constable Cozier, who was infected with chickenpox received two injections earlier in the day and subsequently took pills which are being distributed to treat filaria.
While in the barracks at the Grove Police Station, Cozier collapsed and was subsequently rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital in an unconscious state. Cozier then suffered two seizures and subsequently died.
During his daily COVID-19 update yesterday, Anthony said the young policeman received the Varicella vaccine, which is used to protect against the chickenpox, as well as a pneumococcal vaccine that in some cases is used to protect against pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis.
“The preliminary information that I have is that the taking of the vaccines and the tablets are not the contributing factor to his death,” Dr. Anthony said, while noting that a post-mortem examination was ordered to give authorities a better understanding of what may have occurred.
He further noted that he would not be able to provide a complete report on the case as the information available to him was only preliminary. However, he reiterated that from his understanding the vaccines were not linked to Cozier’s death.
