Howell’s death could have been dengue

Ramroop made the statement at the Ministry of Health’s weekly press conference held at it’s head office at Park Street, Port-of-Spain yesterday.

Howell was suspected, by a private doctor, to have contracted Zika. She had previously sought private medical care but was given a letter to go to the EW MSC.

“Zika patients do not normally die from the virus, nor can a doctor watch someone and suspect that they have Zika,” Ramroop said.

“Howell waited 35 minutes before she had her vitals taken at the EW MSC and then waited 55 minutes to see a doctor. She persisted on leaving the hospital after waiting even though she was medically advised not to do so.

She discharged herself and left the EW MSC before she could be seen by a doctor.” In the pathology report for Howell, Ramroop said that multiple organ failure is not associated with Zika. However, “dengue is associated with the symptoms of profuse vomiting and can lead to multiple organ failure.” Additional tests are being done to determine the actual cause of death.