An Iowa family’s lawsuit claims a woman passed away following routine hernia surgery due to an overlooked infection and severe constipation, symptoms dismissed by hospital staff as “normal.” The legal action targets a surgeon and two nurses.

Laura Belt, aged 46, succumbed in May 2024 to complications from a bowel perforation leading to sepsis—conditions allegedly undetected at Decatur County Hospital, as reported by the Iowa Capital Dispatch.

The family has filed a medical malpractice suit against Dr. Edwin Vincent Wehling, along with nurses Brandi Oesch and Tammy Roberts. The hospital itself is also listed as a defendant in the case.

Furthermore, the Iowa Board of Medicine has accused Wehling of “professional incompetency” and engaging in practices deemed “harmful and detrimental to the public,” according to the outlet. A hearing concerning these disciplinary charges is set for September.

Laura Belt, 46, died in May 2024 due to complications linked to a bowel perforation that resulted in sepsis. (Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory)

Wehling operated on Belt, while Oesch and Roberts handled her recovery, after she came in for a hernia repair surgery at Decatur County Hospital, according to the lawsuit, Iowa Capital Dispatch reported.

After the surgery, Belt allegedly told staff she felt “very uncomfortable” and “very anxious and tearful” as she suffered from “constant drainage” of “significant amounts of feculent, brown liquid” pouring out of her incision site. Belt also allegedly had not had a bowel movement since the surgery, according to the outlet.

Belt was discharged from the hospital a week after the hernia operation. The incision site was still leaking more than a week after she was discharged, according to the complaint.

The woman texted images of the brown liquid to Roberts.

The brown liquid was determined to be stool, and the nurses assured her that this was nothing abnormal, according to the complaint.

Dr. Edwin Vincent Wehling and nurses Brandi Oesch and Tammy Roberts are being sued for medical malpractice. (Google Maps)

“Consulted with Brandi, she states all is normal … Brandi stated incision will drain like this for at least a month,” Roberts texted Belt on May 9, 2024.

The day after the exchange with Roberts, Belt’s family says she had a video call with Oesch and showed her the brown fluid still pouring from the wound, but she was allegedly not told to seek emergency medical care.

On May 11, 2024, Belt was taken by ambulance to the Wayne County Hospital’s Emergency Department, where she was told her incision site was showing signs of dead, necrotic tissue along with “constant drainage” of stool, and she was diagnosed as being in septic shock in connection with an infection stemming from hernia repair, according to the lawsuit.

Two days later, Oesch allegedly added a back-charted entry into Belt’s electronic medical record at Decatur County Hospital, affirming she had the video call with Belt and indicated that the woman was crying and that fluid had poured out of her wound onto the bathroom floor during the call.

“This nurse advised I would call Dr. Wehling and advise. This nurse notified Dr. Wehling and he requested (the antibiotic) Bactrim to be started,” Oesch wrote, according to the complaint.

The lawsuit claims no Bactrim prescription was ever ordered.

Laura Belt died on May 15, 2024. (iStock)

Belt died on May 15, 2024, and Wehling, Oesch and Roberts have all denied any wrongdoing.

Wehling has claimed that the cause of Belt’s injuries and complications “may have been a pre-existing medical condition and/or a subsequently occurring medical condition for which (he) is not responsible,” according to Iowa Capital Dispatch.

A trial has been scheduled for Aug. 23.

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At 93, Ellen Burstyn is revealing her secrets to a long and healthy life.

In a recent chat on the “Literally! With Rob Lowe” podcast, the acclaimed actress, who has just launched her book “Poetry Says It Better: Poems to Help You Wake Up,” discussed the lifestyle changes she embraced to maintain her vitality well into her 90s.

The Oscar-winning star shared, “I no longer drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or use marijuana.”

She elaborated further, saying, “I’ve switched to a plant-based diet, and I make it a point to exercise by walking my dog several mornings each week. I also work out at the gym with a trainer.”

Burstyn concluded, “I lead a healthy life, and it truly pays off.”

While appearing on “Live With Kelly and Mark” last Tuesday, “The Exorcist” star said that she still exercises every day, noting that she particularly enjoys taking walks in New York City’s Central Park.

“That’s how you get to be 93 and still kicking,” Burstyn told co-hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos.

Burstyn previously opened up about her choice to embrace a healthy lifestyle during a 2023 conversation with her “Law & Order: Organized Crime” co-star Christopher Meloni for Interview magazine.

The “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” actress pointed to eating well, becoming a vegetarian and avoiding alcohol, smoking, and drugs as key decisions.

“That’s what I decided after doing all those bad things for a couple of decades,” she said.

Burstyn explained that she also keeps her mind active through reading, creative work and maintaining a social life.

At the time, Burstyn questioned if ageism in Hollywood is a myth and revealed that her career was busier than “ever” at the age of 90.

Burstyn expressed her surprise over being offered so many roles in her later years, telling Meloni, “This is so bizarre. I turn 91 in December and I’m busier than I can ever remember being at any point in my career.”

“And I don’t understand it at all,” she continued. “I mean, what’s all this stuff about ageism in Hollywood? How did I get left out of it?”

When the 62-year-old actor asked Burstyn for her thoughts on the reason behind her continually robust career, the Michigan native offered one theory.

“I don’t know, except possibly that everybody else who could play those parts has already died, so I’m the only actress still standing who can play the great-grandmother or something,” she said.

After Meloni asked Burstyn asked what keeps her going and excited to work at her age, she shared that she begins every day with gratitude.

“I try to have the first words out of my mouth be, ‘Thank you,’” she said. “Thank you that I’m alive. Thank you that I’m safe. Thank you that I’m healthy. Thank you that I’m 90 and still going. Thank you for my doggies. I mean, I have a lot to live in a state of gratitude for.”

In “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” Burstyn played Bernadette “Bernie” Stabler, the troubled, bipolar mother of Meloni’s character Detective Elliot Stabler.

Burstyn originated the role during the tenth season of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” when she appeared in the episode “Swing,” earning the Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding guest actress in a series for her performance.

She became a recurring guest star in the “Law & Order: Organized Crime” starting in the “Law & Order” spinoff’s second season in 2021.

Last month, NBC announced that it had canceled “Law & Order: Organized Crime” after five seasons.

Burstyn will next be seen in the upcoming drama film “Place To Be,” which also stars Taika Waititi, Pamela Anderson, Édgar Ramírez, Lena Waithe, Murray Bartlett and Maika Monroe.

Passengers aboard a cruise ship find themselves stranded at sea following a tragic turn of events, where three individuals have succumbed to a rat-transmitted virus, and a British man is battling for his life.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the presence of six suspected hantavirus infections on the MV Hondius. The ship is currently en route from Ushuaia, Argentina, to Cape Verde, Africa.

The first to fall victim was a 70-year-old passenger, soon followed by his 69-year-old wife. Both were Dutch nationals, adding a somber note to the voyage.

A 69-year-old British passenger has been transported to Johannesburg, where he is receiving intensive care treatment.

On Sunday evening, the WHO issued a statement acknowledging awareness of the severe acute respiratory illness cases occurring on the cruise ship navigating the Atlantic.

It confirmed three people had died onboard – with the British man confirmed as the victim of a hantavirus infection – and said it was investigating six suspected cases in total.

Passengers have now told of their hell trapped on the ship – after being ordered to stay onboard while ‘awaiting approval’ to disembark.

A letter distributed to customers from cruise company Oceanwide Expeditions on Sunday, seen by the Daily Mail, informed them it was ‘awaiting approval’ for passengers to leave the ship.

A British man was taken to intensive care after the virus spread onboard the MV Hondius (pictured), travelling from Ushuaia in Argentina to Cape Verde in Africa

A letter distributed to customers from cruise company Oceanwide Expeditions on Sunday, seen by the Daily Mail, informed them it was ‘awaiting approval’ for passengers to leave the ship

The letter said: ‘As you are aware, we are responding to several cases of an unidentified virus.

‘We regret to share that, overnight, a guest presenting severe symptoms has passed away.

‘We are currently anchored offshore of Cape Verde and awaiting approval from the Cape Verde authorities to disembark, with priority given to those who require immediate medical care.

‘At this stage, we do not have authorisation from the Cape Verde authorities to disembark.’

The letter went on to advise that all those onboard continue to ‘follow best practices, wear face masks, maintain distancing, and, where possible, minimise contact with fellow guests’.

It added: ‘Please remain assured that we are applying pressure through all available channels, including at the diplomatic level, to provide urgent care to individuals presenting severe symptoms and to ensure all guests aboard can be properly supported within an adequate health screening process.’

One passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Daily Mail: ‘We have not heard from Oceanwide at all. We still have friends on the ship.’

Last year, prices for a full trip on the vessel were between €12,500 for a bed in a shared cabin with other passengers and €40,000 (£35,000, $48,000) for the most luxurious private cabin.

Speaking on social media, a Turkish passenger on the ship said his ‘Irish friend’ was receiving treatment in South Africa – but that fortunately, his condition was ‘improving’

The ship has 80 cabins on board, which can carry up to 170 passengers and 57 crew members

A seating area pictured on board the MV Hondius ship, where passengers remain docked off the coast of Cape Verde

Passengers have been ordered to stay onboard while ‘awaiting approval’ to disembark

What are hantaviruses?

Hantaviruses are typically spread by rodents (file image)

Hantaviruses are a family of viruses which can cause serious illnesses and death.

They are typically spread by rodents and are not normally spread person-to-person.

The viruses can cause two syndromes – hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).

Early symptoms of HPS include fatigue, fever and muscle aches.

Intensive headaches, back pain, nausea and blurred vision are symptoms of HFRS.

Minimising contact with rodents at home, in the workplace, or in a campsite can help reduce the risk of exposure to hantaviruses.

A map shows the ship’s route starting at Ushuaia and passing by South Georgia and St. Helena before reaching its final destination at Cape Verde. 

Hantaviruses – a family of viruses – are spread by rodents, in particular through contact with their urine, droppings and saliva.

They are not usually spread person-to-person and are typically only transferred via bodily fluids and close contact.

As of Sunday night, the WHO had laboratory confirmed one case of hantavirus infection and was investigating five additional suspected cases.

A spokesman said: ‘Of the six affected individuals, three have died and one is currently in intensive care in South Africa.

‘Investigations and a coordinated international public health response is underway. We will share more information as it becomes available.’

Laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations are now taking place – with medical care and support provided to passengers and crew.

The WHO confirmed ‘sequencing of the virus’ – to understand transmission and mutations – is also ongoing.

A source close to the case said the provisional toll was three dead, including a Dutch couple.

Speaking anonymously on Sunday, they added discussions were taking place to decide whether two sick passengers should be placed in isolation in hospital in Cape Verde.

They said the ship would then continue to Spain’s Canary Islands. The vessel is currently 1,000miles from the Canaries. 

South Africa’s department of health confirmed a British tourist is being treated in a private health facility in Sandton, Johannesburg – adding his laboratory test results had come back positive for a hantavirus infection.

Speaking on social media, a Turkish passenger on the ship said his ‘Irish friend’ was receiving treatment in South Africa – but that, fortunately, his condition was ‘improving’.

He wrote: ‘Normally, human-to-human transmission is not common. However, we are in a very complicated situation. Please keep us in your thoughts.

‘We will complete this ocean crossing. Since we are not allowed to go ashore in Cape Verde, most likely we will head to the Canary Islands. We hope to be in good condition there.’ 

The South African Department of Health said the Dutch male passenger suffered fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, and died in St Helena while his wife was taken to hospital in the Kempton Park area of South Africa after collapsing at an airport.

According to several online ship–tracking sites, the MV Hondius was just off the port of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, on Sunday.

The vessel can accommodate around 170 passengers and has some 70 crew members.

The Foreign Office told the Daily Mail: ‘We are closely monitoring reports of a potential hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship Hondius and stand ready to support British nationals if needed.

‘We are in touch with the cruise company and local authorities.’

Hantaviruses are known to cause a range of diseases in humans ranging from mild, flu-like illness to severe respiratory illness or haemorrhagic disease.

Early symptoms can include fatigue, fever, muscle aches and intensive headaches.

The risk of contracting the illness can be reduced through minimising contact with rodents.

Oceanwide Expeditions has been contacted for comment. 

Authorities in New York detained nearly ten individuals over the weekend amid demonstrations against ICE, sparked by the detention of an undocumented immigrant facing charges of assault and drug possession.

The protests unfolded in Brooklyn’s Bushwick area following the apprehension of Chidozie Wilson Okeke, a Nigerian national with previous legal troubles, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

DHS reports that Okeke initially entered the United States on a tourist visa in 2023. However, he failed to depart by the February 26, 2024 deadline stipulated in his visa.

During a Saturday immigration enforcement operation, Okeke allegedly ignored ICE agents’ instructions to exit his vehicle and attempted to strike them with the car. He is further accused of engaging in physical altercations, reportedly throwing punches and elbows at the agents.

The tensions in Bushwick were fueled by Okeke’s arrest, drawing demonstrators to the scene.

“Our officers followed their training and used the minimum amount of force necessary to make the arrest,” DHS said in a statement.

After his arrest, Okeke was taken to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center for a medical evaluation. Okeke “remained non-compliant during the medical evaluation, throwing himself to the floor and screaming,” DHS said, adding that he was eventually cleared by medical staff.

Video shows ICE agents dragging Okeke out of the hospital following his medical evaluation.

During the medical evaluation, a crowd of anti-ICE protesters gathered outside the hospital. DHS says the group damaged several ICE vehicles and assaulted agents, causing minor injuries.

Video shows ICE agents dragging Chidozie Wilson Okeke out of the hospital following his medical evaluation. (FNTV)

The NYPD said officers responded to reports of disorderly protesters outside the hospital between Stanhope and Stockholm streets on Saturday at around 10:25 p.m. Officers reported observing several people acting disorderly, obstructing vehicle traffic and blocking emergency entrances and exits to the hospital.

Officers issued repeated verbal warnings for the protesters to disperse and return to the sidewalks, according to the department.

Nine people were then taken into custody, including eight who were arrested and charged with resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief, the NYPD said. One person was issued a summons and released.

Nine protesters were then taken into custody, including eight who were arrested and charged. (FNTV)

The NYPD said it does not participate in civil immigration enforcement and had no prior awareness of the ICE operation.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani told a Gothamist reporter after the incident on Saturday that ICE raids are “cruel and inhumane” and “they do nothing to serve in the interest of public safety, and I’ve said that even directly to the president.” 

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