North America appears to have had its first case of a re-infected COVID-19 patient. Two different varieties of the virus infected a twenty-five-year-old male from Nevada according to CNN Health. We believe he has since recovered and we wish him well for the future. This rare event does not however necessarily mean we are facing a new trend.
Are We Sure This Was From Two Different Varieties of the Virus?
A report by University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine and Nevada State Public Health Laboratory confirms the serial infection. CNN Health says the symptoms of the first bout were sore throat, cough, headache, nausea and diarrhea. The man ‘got better’ by April 27, 2020 and was negative on tests at that time.
However, he sought medical advice a second time on May 31, 2020. This time, his symptoms included fever, headache, dizziness, cough, nausea and diarrhea. He entered hospital five days later, and tested positive. This time he received oxygen support. Genetic analysis confirms there were two different varieties of the virus involved.
Testing the Genetic Material in the Nevada Virus
The SARS-CoV-2 virus causing the COVID-19 illness has the single purpose of replicating itself. It comprises a DNA kit inside a protective shell that reaches out and engages with host cells. Nevada researchers examined genetic samples from the two bouts of illness and discovered distinct differences.
Their report has not yet been through the peer review process. The researchers have however released the information in terms of the imperative to share COVID-19 information right away.
The core finding is the Nevada man tested positive for two different varieties of the virus causing the COVID pandemic. Scientists don’t yet fully understand how viral re-infection occurs. Each new piece of information takes us a step along the road to understanding the new disease.
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