A report in The Lancet of October 12, 2020 confirms a repeat COVID-19 infection in Nevada. The 25-year-old resident of Washoe County suffered a recurrence of the disease that was more serious than the original one. Moreover, The Lancet has found the second incident was from a ‘genetically distinct virus’. Hence the implications are a first infection ‘does not guarantee total immunity’.
The Repeat COVID-19 Infection in Nevada Was Within Three Months
The timeline of the two infections was as follows:
1… March 25, 2020: First wave of symptoms (cough, diarrhea, headache, nausea and sore throat)
2…April 18, 2020: First positive test: April 27, 2020: symptoms fully resolve
3… May 9, 2020: First negative test: May 26, 2020: Second negative test
4… May 28, 2020: Second wave of symptoms (cough, dizziness, fever, headache, nausea and diarrhea)
5… June 2, 2020: Second positive test (low blood oxygen, shortness of breath)
The Lancet says differences between the two viruses are broad enough to discount in vivo evolution of the same strain. Therefore, two different viruses were involved, presumably from two different sources. This repeat COVID-19 infection in Nevada suggests we should continue taking the same precautions regardless of our status.
A First Infection Does Not Necessarily Protect Against a Future One
James Gallagher, health and science correspondent from BBC Health, interviewed Dr. Mark Pandori from the University of Nevada the day after the news broke. Dr. Pandori explained the re-infection has significant implications for COVID-19 immunity.
We should no longer rely blindly on the assurance of a first infection or vaccination. Although at the same time there have been few similar incidents despite 37 million known cases worldwide. Perhaps the second wave just beginning will paint a clearer picture, but this is no reason to drop our guard.
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Preview Image: Occurrence of COVID Symptoms
