Novel Coronavirus Still Detected 5 Weeks After Symptoms Emerge

A small study of patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Wuhan, China, showed that traces of the virus were still detected 5 weeks after symptoms initially presented. The study tested 56 patients with mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection at five different timeframes after the onset of symptoms. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays were used to detect SARS-CoV-2. The first week yielded the highest positive results: 100%. Results dipped at week 2 to 89.3%, 66.1% at week 3, and 32.1% at week 4. At week 5, only 5.4% of patients tested positive, dropping to 0% at week 6. Authors note that while patients may still be shedding the virus 5 weeks later, this does not mean they are transmitting the virus to others, as it is unclear how high the viral load needs to be in order for it to spread. Click here to read more.

—
For even more breaking news, follow us on Facebook.
For positive and inspirational posts during this uncertain time, follow us on Instagram.