Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine (Nov 2020)

Prolonged Duration of Viral Shedding of SARS-CoV-2: A Case Report

  • Brandon Fong,
  • Kory S. London

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5811/cpcem.2020.7.49005
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 4

Abstract

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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.