US-based doctor dies of COVID-19 in Nigeria

Edward Gbemudu

A Nigerian medical doctor Edward Gbemudu based in the United States of America has died of COVID-19 complications during a visit to Nigeria for Christmas.

Gbemudu was a physician at Olive Branch Hospital in Mississippi, US. He was also on the payroll at Baptist Methodist Hospital-DeSoto, Mississippi.

It is believed he contracted the coronavirus at a funeral in Nigeria.

He died on January 1, 2021.

Dr. Emmanuel Obi, who practices Internal Medicine in Brownsville, told Wreg that his friend began experiencing symptoms once he returned from Nigeria.

“He travelled on the 15th of December, and then on the 25th of December he started having symptoms. In less than one week, he was dead,” Obi said.

“I talked to him, and he was on a 100-percent oxygen, but somehow on Thursday, on Friday January 1st, his condition just went for the worst.”

Obi said the hospital didn’t have a respirator and before he could arranged to get one Gbemudu had died.

A wreath on the front door of Olive Branch where Gbemudu practised conveyed their love and admiration for him.

“Our hearts go out to Dr. Gbemudu’s family, friends, patients and colleagues. He was a valued member of our medical staff for several years and distinguished himself as a wonderful physician.

His death is yet another reminder of how deadly COVID-19 can be and the importance of taking the proper precautions – social distancing, wearing a mask and regular hand washing – to protect ourselves and one another from contracting it,” it read.