CASE REPORT: POSSIBLE COVID-19 REINFECTION IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a clinical syndrome that results from an infection with a recently discovered strain of coronavirus. Majority of the patients suffering from COVID-19 experience clinically mild to moderate symptoms and do not require specialized clinical care. There are individuals that are asymptomatic and do not present with the clinical signs and symptoms that are characteristic of COVID-19. However, the elderly and individuals with comorbid pathological conditions such as cardiovascular diseases are at a high risk of developing a severe form of COVID-19. Currently, there is no treatment or prevention approach that has been licensed for use by the drug regulatory authorities in the care and management of persons suffering from COVID-19. Nonetheless, there are numerous ongoing clinical trials attempting to find a vaccine or cure for the disease. Since December 2019, COVID-19 has caused significant mortality and morbidity all around the world and the disease has largely disrupted the functioning of global communities. As the number of individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 continues to increase, many countries have started to re-open schools, mosques, and other public places. Medical researchers have therefore focused attention on the likelihood of re-infection with COVID-19 and the importance of acquired immunity in fighting the virus. The case report describes a 29-year-old male patient who after one month of recovery tested positive for COVID-19 infection for a second time. Extended viral shedding, dynamic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results, and reinfection are some of the common reasons for a post-recovery positive test for COVID-19.