Japanese Woman Treated For Coronavirus Tested Positive Again

Japanese Woman Treated For Coronavirus Tested Positive Again

Authorities say it is the first such case in Japan.

A woman from Western Japan had been treated for symptoms of the novel coronavirus in late January and was discharged from the hospital early this month. However, on 26 February, Osaka’s prefectural government announced that the unfortunate lady tested positive for COVID-19 for a second time despite the initial recovery.

The health ministry confirmed the patient was the first in Japan to be tested positive for the coronavirus for a second time after being discharged from hospital amidst growing distress about the spread of the infection. 

The woman, a resident of Osaka in Western Japan, is in her 40s and works as a tour guide in Japan. She was in a bus carrying tourists from Wuhan, China – the epicentre of the global coronavirus outbreak and was first tested positive on 29 January. She had received treatment in a local hospital and was reportedly discharged after recovering on 1 February. 

Also Read: Is It Safe To Travel To Japan Amidst the Novel Coronavirus?

She developed a sore throat and chest pains soon enough and her infection with the coronavirus was reaffirmed on 26 February. The Japanese woman, by all accounts, stayed at home and had no close contact with anyone after her discharge from the hospital. It remains ambiguous as to whether the viruses that remained in the woman multiplied or she was re-infected.

“Once you have the infection, it could remain dormant and with minimal symptoms, and then you can get an exacerbation if it finds its way into the lungs,” said Philip Tierno Jr, professor of microbiology and pathology at NYU School of Medicine.

Though a first in Japan, cases of second positive tests have been reported in China where the number of overall cases in the country has been increasing drastically. There are a total of 78,159 cases and 2,717 deaths as of 27 February. 

Also Read: 20 Destinations You Can Fly to From Singapore Not Affected by the Coronavirus

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Ifah Sakinah
Ifah Sakinah

Sakinah has a discerning palate and an innate desire to satisfy her inner curiosity. While she hasn't been everywhere, it's definitely on her list.

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