PA Man Treated With Ivermectin After Court Battle Dies: Reports

PENNSYLVANIA — A Pennsylvania man whose wife won a court battle to have him treated for COVID-19 with ivermectin has died, according his family and multiple media reports.

Keith Smith, 52, had been in the hospital for three weeks, and had been in a medically induced coma on a ventilator since Nov. 21, the York Daily Record reports.

When the hospital refused a request from Smith's wife, Darla, to use ivermectin, she went to York County Court. There, she ultimately gained approval for the drug, which is typically used for worm infections in animals and, in certain cases and very specific doses, for humans.

The court's decision did not force the hospital to administer the treatment, but did not allow an outside physician to be brought in to do so.

According to The Independent, Smith received two doses before his condition grew worse. He died on Sunday, Dec. 12 at UPMC Memorial Hospital.

Darla Smith said that she was not sure if the ivermectin would help but was looking for a "Hail Mary" to save her husband as his disease grew worse, according to USA Today.

Ivermectin is not FDA-approved to treat coronavirus in humans or animals. On the FDA's website, the potential dangers of using ivermectin are outlined. There have been numerous cases of individuals who self-medicated with the drug and required hospitalization as a result.

"Never use medications intended for animals on yourself or other people," the FDA says. "Animal ivermectin products are very different from those approved for humans. Use of animal ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in humans is dangerous."