Elderly Tongaat coronavirus patient makes full recovery

In what has been called an emotional journey for both patient, family and hospital, Tongaat Victoria Mediclinic have spoken out about the North Coast’s first person to contract the coronavirus and make a full recovery over a period of two weeks.

Identified by the hospital as John – not his real name – a 79-year-old man who had returned from Greece via Italy went to the hospital displaying symptoms as well as presenting with serious comorbidities (the presence of one or more additional conditions co-occurring with a primary condition), including coronary artery disease.

His medical history indicated that he had undergone a coronary artery bypass three years ago and also suffered from diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney issues.

According to the findings of medical staff, John required urgent hospitalisation for his condition and was admitted under the care of hospital physician, Dr Venesh Riashen Moodley.

John’s son said that when his father took ill, Covid-19 was not yet prevalent in South Africa.

“We never thought he would have been affected by it. How wrong we were, I think he was the fourth or fifth person tested and by the time the results came out he was about the 17th confirmed case – he was also at that point the oldest confirmed patient with Covid-19,” said John’s son.

John eventually showed symptoms of difficulty in breathing and fatigue.

The hospital informed his family of the possibility that he may have been exposed to the coronavirus and he was immediately transferred to an intensive care isolation room.

The family were also told to self-isolate.

“Nursing and allied staff used very specific personal protective equipment when nursing the patient. Strict visitor restrictions applied. All nursing staff involved deserve a special mention for their professionalism and dedication to patient care. They were very calm and gave our patient their full attention,” said Dr Moodley.

His son commended the team appointed to care for his father.

“Dr Moodley and Sister Yogi Naidoo are two stand-out members of this amazing team. They were caring and compassionate and totally reassuring at all times,” he said.

Over the next 12 days, his condition gradually improved and, come day nine, he no longer required oxygen and his renal function stabilised making him eligible for discharge.

“While the potential complications are very serious, most patients will recover uneventfully. The elderly and those with comorbid disease may require supportive care and our patient highlights that it is possible to make a full recovery. I recognise that the public is very concerned, but there is no need to panic. Practice social distancing and hand hygiene and help to flatten the curve,” said Dr Moodley.

John’s family were relieved at his full recovery.

“His recovery has been phenomenal – he is a 79-year-old warrior and at this point his condition has improved miraculously.”

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