“Malaria patient actually had corona virus” hospital admits

There had been a lot of talk about the increase in the number of “malaria cases” in Zimbabwe. A recent statement by leading public hospital has left had many people’s worst fears confirmed.

PARIRENYATWA Group of Hospitals has confirmed earlier speculation by members of the public alleging that the upsurge in malaria cases in Zimbabwe are being mistaken for malaria after admitting that a Covid-19 positive patient was wrongly receiving malaria treatment for the last five days.In a Tuesday afternoon statement, the hospital made the blunder public exposing the weaknesses in the country’s Covid-19 treatment systems.“As part of the escalated mitigatory measures against Covid-19 which include active case finding through mandatory testing of frontline staff and admitted patients, a Covid-19 positive case which had been admitted for management of slide positive malaria on 24 April 2020 was identified at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals,” the hospital said.

However, the statement said the patient had responded well to the malaria treatment and the virus was discovered just when he was due for discharge.The hospital’s management have since activated to the Covid-19 Rapid Response Team and are taking the following measures.Continued isolation of confirmed case in his private room while awaiting for discharge formalities and recovery at home where he will be followed up;
Ensuring safety of staff and other patients through strengthened infection prevention and control measures;
Exposed staff will be tested, counselled and managed accordingly by giving them psychological support while decontamination will be done in accordance with national guidelines;
Testing of frontline staff and admitted patients will continue and appropriate support rendered to those in need,” said the statement.