Benue State Government has said that five medical doctors, two ambulance drivers and one emergency worker were among people who recently tested positive for coronavirus in the state.
Deputy Governor Benson Abounu, who is also chairman, Benue State Committee on COVID-19, announced this on Wednesday during a press briefing.
Mr Abounu said the first fatality of coronavirus recorded in the state was not treated for coronavirus but leukemia.
The victim, he said, only started coughing three days to his demise.
More than 100 people who have had contact with the deceased have been traced, he said.
“The issue of the person reported to have died as a result of COVID-19 in the state, I read about it on Facebook,” Abounu said.
“But the case referred to was not managed for Covid19, it was a serious ailment, 20 days ago he had a major surgical operation, opened from neck to abdomen. The gentleman in question had cancer of the bone marrow.
“And when diagnosed for such ailment, hardly, can the person live up to five years.
“But three days to his demise, he started coughing and his samples were taken and sent to Abuja and came out positive.
“So, It is possible that the deceased who was not in isolation center must have had contact with a coronavirus victim through those who were visiting him in the hospital.
“So, it is difficult at this stage to say that what really killed him was COVID-19.
“The team has been able to trace all those who had contact with the deceased, 57 health workers, relations and family members who visited him while in the hospital over 100 of them have been traced.”
