Post-mortem swab shows prominent paediatrician tested positive for COVID-19

The prominent paediatrician Dr Seepersaud Chatterdeo, who died recently, tested positive for COVID-19.

“We recently learnt that a post-mortem swab was positive for COVID 19,” the family said in a statement Friday evening.

They added: “The relevant authorities have embarked on contact tracing but in the circumstances, we are urging that all who may have been in contact with him over the past two (2) weeks be vigilant and observe the recommended guideline-directed behaviour such as social distancing, hand washing and the wearing of masks.”

The family expressed “deepest gratitude for the appreciation and love directed towards him and for the outpouring of support extended to us during this most difficult time.”

The family urged those who have been in contact with him to look out for any symptoms or signs of COVID 19 infection.

“These would include fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of smell and taste, excessive tiredness, sore throat, diarrhea, body aches and pains,” they stated and urged any concerned about or have any of the symptoms to seek medical attention.

Dr. Chatterdeo, who once headed the Paediatrics Department of Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), died at a private hospital last Sunday morning.

Dr. Chatterdeo was lauded as “Guyana’s most respected paediatrician” by Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony who in a statement expressed profound sympathy to the family, friends, colleagues and patients of the late Doctor.

According to a statement from the Health Minister, outside of being one of Guyana’s most respected paediatrician, Dr. Chatterdeo was a dear teacher to several medical students and medical interns.

“He dedicated his young life to ensuring his students had all his attention and benefitted from his knowledge and experience. He treated his students as his sisters and brothers. Dr. Chatterdeo also contributed immensely to the continuing medical education program for practicing physicians in Guyana,” Dr. Anthony noted.

He added that Guyana has lost a valuable citizen and his place will be difficult to fill.