Medical student who became India's first COVID-19 patient contracts virus again in Kerala

She had tested positive for COVID-19 on January 30 last year on her return from Wuhan in China, the epicentre of the outbreak, where she was doing her medical degree

Published: 13th July 2021 01:59 PM  |   Last Updated: 13th July 2021 02:52 PM   |  A+A-

covid testing

The source of the infection remains unknown (File photo | Shriram BN)

Express News Service

THRISSUR: India's first COVID-19 patient, a medical student from Kerala's Thrissur district, tested positive for the virus again on Tuesday, after a gap of one-and-a-half years.

She had tested positive for COVID-19 on January 30 last year on her return from Wuhan in China, the epicentre of the outbreak, becoming India's first patient to be infected with the coronavirus. She was doing her medical degree at Wuhan University.

"I took a COVID test before going to Delhi. The antigen test was negative but the RT-PCR came back positive. I only have mild symptoms and am currently under home isolation," the student, a native of Mathilakam, said.

Thrissur DMO K J Reena said there was nothing to be afraid of as the health condition of the woman was stable. "There are instances in which people contract the virus for a second time. This can be such a case. We are closely in touch with her and following up on her health condition."

She is yet to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The source of the infection remains unknown in her case.

ALSO WATCH | Kerala's Covid-19 fight: A tale of two waves | TNIE Documentary


India Matters

Comments(1)

Disclaimer : We respect your thoughts and views! But we need to be judicious while moderating your comments. All the comments will be moderated by the newindianexpress.com editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks. Try to avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines.

The views expressed in comments published on newindianexpress.com are those of the comment writers alone. They do not represent the views or opinions of newindianexpress.com or its staff, nor do they represent the views or opinions of The New Indian Express Group, or any entity of, or affiliated with, The New Indian Express Group. newindianexpress.com reserves the right to take any or all comments down at any time.

  • Srinivasan Venkataraman

    It is highly surprising that the first identified covid patient that too a medical student is yet to take vaccine. Poor Kerala
    1 year ago reply
flipboard facebook twitter whatsapp