More babies could die from infected circumcisions in the UK after the death of a six-month-old boy exposed a lack of infection control training and accreditation for circumcisers, a coroner has warned.
Mohamed Abdisamad died in February 2023 from a streptococcal infection on the way to hospital, a week after a non-therapeutic circumcision, an inquest at West London Coroner's Court found in October.
IN Preventing Future Deaths Report In a publication published this week, assistant coroner Anton van Dellen called on the government to take action to avoid similar tragedies.
He wrote: “During the investigation, the evidence revealed issues of concern. In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths may occur if action is not taken.”
Mohamed was circumcised at 3pm on February 12 by a man recommended to his parents, the coroner's report said. The investigation reported that the wound healed well after the procedure.
But after three or four days he began to show symptoms of the disease. When Mohamed's health deteriorated on February 19, he was taken by ambulance to Hillingdon Hospital. He suffered a heart attack in the ambulance and was pronounced dead later that day.
In his report, Van Dellen expressed concern that anyone without training or ongoing professional development could perform non-therapeutic circumcision. He said he was also concerned about the lack of a system to accredit or register those who perform circumcisions.
Van Dellen noted his concern about the lack of infection control required during circumcision rituals. And there was no responsibility for postoperative care, “including, but not limited to, wound dressing, pain management, and/or recommendations for care as conditions worsen.”
He also highlighted the lack of record keeping on the part of circumcisers and the absence of any system of consent before circumcision.
The jury inquest, which concluded on October 8 last year, found the medical cause of death to be “invasive streptococcal infection following male circumcision.”
Van Dellen's report was sent to the Department Health and Social Security, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
They have 56 days to respond, the coroner said.
Copies of the report were also sent to Mohamed's mother and father, his maternal grandmother, his uncle and the London Ambulance Service.
