An Edo couple, Mr. And Mrs. Praise Mumbor, is in a state of confusion on how their first child got infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
The couple believed their 19-month old baby got infected after receiving blood transfusion at a private hospital in Benin City, Edo State capital.
Baby Jeremiah was admitted at the private hospital after suffering high fever and doctors said his Packed Cell Volume (PCV) dropped to a critical level of 15 and recommended a blood transfusion
Two months later, baby Jeremiah fell ill again and was made to undergo another round of blood transfusion but his health did not improve.
His father, Mr. Praise Mumbor, said they were referred to the Edo Specialist Hospital where multiple screenings showed Jeremiah has contacted HIV.
He said laboratory investigations on him and wife showed they were HIV negative.
A doctor at the Edo hospital who pleaded anonymity said: “We had to run thorough screening on the couple. Results confirmed they are HIV negative. So, the possible explanation is the transfused blood”.
The father, who vowed to pursue justice, accused the private hospital of gross medical negligence.
He said: “My baby Jeremiah will mark his two years birthday in September 28 this year. He is our first child, I am sad and pained what has happened to him. My wife and I don’t have HIV, how come he is now a carrier of HIV?
