Cop infected with chickenpox dies at GPHC

Rockliff Cozier, a police constable who was infected with chickenpox, died at around 18:15h at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after reportedly receiving two varicella (chickenpox) vaccines and taking his filaria pills.

Police Headquarters in a statement noted that Cozier, who is from Supply, East Bank Demerara (EBD), received two injections for chickenpox at about 08:30h on Tuesday and then, at about 14:30h he allegedly took pills being used to treat filaria.

He was stationed at the Regional Police Division #4 ‘B’. According to the police report, at around 18:00h, Cozier collapsed while in a barrack room and was picked up and rushed to the GPHC in an unconscious state.

It was further reported that he was placed in incubation during which he had a relapse, suffered two seizures and subsequently passed away.

An investigation into the death of the Constable has since been launched.

However, it is to be noted that chickenpox is a highly contagious illness, characterised by an itchy rash on the skin and caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Importantly, as well, the varicella vaccine is given in two doses, but it recommended that each dose should be separated by at least three months.

The Police Force did not respond to media queries as to why the cop was in a barrack even though the illness is highly contagious.