South Korea was one of the few countries that witnessed an exponential growth in the number of cases during the initial days of COVID-19.?
But, they managed to flatten the curve with dedication and following necessary protocols, being an example to the world.
However, recent reports have revealed that it has been experiencing a considerable increase in the number of people who were cured to get COVID-19 positive once again. Around 116 people who were tested COVID-19 negative after treatment are now testing positive again.
COVID-19, much like any other virus is susceptible to mutation, and there are always chances of the virus coming back stronger. Recovered COVID-19 patients have been shown to grow antibodies to fight against COVID-19 but cases of relapse have been seen with such cases too.?
While this is shocking, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that the cases aren¡¯t really the patients getting reinfected, instead, it¡¯s stating that the virus has reactivated in people¡¯s body.
The virus may remain latent in certain cells in the body and attack the respiratory organs again once reactivated.
Experts are also putting the blame for the relapse on faulty tests. Another possibility they feel is that the virus could very well be present in the patient¡¯s body, but won¡¯t be infectious or dangerous to others.
The number 116 is double than the 52 cases that the nation reported last week.
While the number isn¡¯t as high as it used to be, citizens of South Korea are asked to follow strict social distancing protocols at least until April 19th.?
Prime Minister Chung Sye-Kyun had stated that they¡¯re looking to loosen the restrictions, stating, ¡°Later this week, we plan to review our intensive social distancing campaign that we have carried out so far and discuss whether we will switch to routine safety measures.¡±