Final member of Wakapau family discharged from hospital after mystery illness
Gavin Richards, one of the five members of a Wakapau Village family that had been hospitalised after a mysterious illness that claimed the lives of two others two weeks ago, has been discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).
A relative, Samantha Thomas yesterday told Stabroek News that Gavin Richards, who was admitted in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) of the GPH, was discharged last Tuesday.
Thomas said Gavin and another family member, Norman Thomas, who are still on treatment, remain in Georgetown as they await their next doctor’s appointment.
She added that three other family members—15-year-old Kishanna Thomas, Anasha Richards and Richard Thomas— have since returned home.
In mid-June, members of the family were hospitalised after falling ill.
On June 19th, Edward Richards, 76, succumbed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the GPH after being hospitalised for about a week.
Two days prior to his death, his daughter, Salema Thomas also succumbed.
Autopsies performed on both of their bodies listed the cause of their deaths 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 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.