Possible case of COVID-19 reinfection recorded in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY –The Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol reported Thursday evening that a “possible case” of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was recorded in Legazpi City in Albay.

Bicol#34, a 34-year-old patient from Legazpi City, tested negative in her second swab test on April 26.

However, after her mandatory quarantine, she was re-swabbed on Tuesday (May 12). The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test showed that she was again positive for the viral disease.

The DOH Bicol said that this is only a “possible case” of reinfection because other conditions may have affected the result.

“Such condition could be attributed to factors related to specimen collection, cold chain issues and teting,” according to DOH. “It is also possible that a recovered COVID-19 patient would test positive again if tests would pick up remnants of the virus. The virus activity and inactivity cannot be specifically determined thus clinical correlation and close patient monitoring is highly recommended.”

The DOH also reminded patients who have recovered from COVID-19 that no studies have confirmed yet whether or not a recovery means immunity.

“[DOH Bicol] reiterates its call to the confirmed cases to strictly follow the isolation and quarantine protocol for 14-days after first negative results, and before the repeat swab,” their statement said.