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Saeb Erekat’s Condition Deteriorates

Oct 22, 2020
Saeb Erekat’s Condition Deteriorates

Saeb Erekat, the Chief Palestinian negotiator, is undergoing treatment at the Hadassah University Medical Center. However, it was recently announced by the head of the medical center that Erekat’s medical condition is readily deteriorating.

A statement that was disseminated within the premises of the hospital on Thursday also revealed more details. As of now, the Chief Palestinian negotiator is connected to an ECMO machine, which is supporting his respiratory function. 

Due to his previous lung transplantation, Erekat’s lung function was already compromised. Now, it has been further reduced by the effect of the coronavirus infection. 

The statement went on to say that Aspergillus, a fungal infection, has been identified in the lungs as well. Steps have been taken to treat it and the doctors are also actively using antifungal therapy. 

His family was informed of the recent developments. They were also told that these medical issues were not the only health problems that Erekat was facing. According to the hospital, his organ systems are quickly deteriorating. But, the family was assured that this was just one of the problems faced by critically ill patients of the coronavirus. 

The Chief Palestinian negotiator was rushed to the hospital earlier in the week. He had been suffering from the virus for the past month. On his arrival at the medical center, Erekat was immediately intubated. Later in the week, on Wednesday, he was transferred to the ECMO machine. 

The reason for his transferal to the machine was to allow blood to be oxygenated while the lungs rest. Professionals at the Hadassah revealed that the move had been necessary to ensure that there was no lung injury. They were afraid that a move to the ventilator could potentially cause even more harm to his transplanted lungs. 

In the year 2017, Erekat had to undergo a lung transplant. 

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