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Prolonged Duration of Viral Shedding of SARS-CoV-2: A Case Report
1Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Introduction:
The literature on the clinical course of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) suggests patients continue shedding viral particles typically for an average of 20 days until the body builds immunity against the infection. However, a few cases have shown prolonged duration in viral shedding and highlight the significant increased mortality in these patients. It has also been suggested that multiple strains of SARS-COV-2 exist, keying the possibility to reinfection.
Case Report:
We present a case of a 57-year-old male who presented twice over 37 days with symptoms related to SARS-COV-2, and only on his second visit was found to be in hypoxemic respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock. He also reportedly had a period of convalescence in between presentations.
Discussion:
This case highlights the still unclear disease course of SARS-COV-2 and the need for diligence in providing strong follow-up instructions and evaluation for sequelae of the infection.
