Alarming! Dr. Dawipayan Deb tests positive again just after 13 days of his discharge

August 20: On being tested COVID-19 positive, Dr. Dawipayan Deb, Medical officer at National Health Mission was admitted at Silchar Medical College & Hospital (SMCH). He was asymptomatic. After a few days stay at SMCH, Dr. Deb was tested negative and subsequently, he was discharged on 7 August. After around ten days of staying in home quarantine as per the protocol, Dr. Dawipayan Deb resumed his duty at Kalain CHC on 17 August, 2020.

Taking to his Facebook wall on 20 August, Dr. Dawipayan Deb wrote, “However, on the same day of resuming duty (17 August), I started developing high fever, sore throat, dry cough etc. The next day, I decided to go for necessary home quarantine. For 3 long days, I have been fighting to keep my symptoms down with oral medications. But, unfortunately I couldn’t. The pain was excruciating and cannot be described in words. Last night, I gave up and got myself tested at SMCH. Yes, I have been tested Positive for Covid-19 once again after 13 days of discharge and currently admitted at SMCH.”

Dr. Dawipayan Deb, however, also mentioned in his post, ” I am doing much better now under the treatment of my seniors and teachers. But, is it a relapse/ re-infection? I have no clue. But I am pretty sure that the recovered asymptomatic patients are not 100% immune to the virus. Do not take it lightly. I do not want any of you to go through the pain I have been through over the past 3 days. Remember me in your prayers.”

Well, though Dr. Dawipayan Deb seemed to be doing much better now at SMCH, but this incident is perhaps a warning bell for many asymptomatic patients like him who after getting cured (!) and discharged remain satisfied that at least the virus is no more going to attack them again. Though similar incidents of asymptomatic patients getting infected for the second time are reported from various parts of the globe, but such a quick (within just 13 days) relapse or re-infection is really a matter of great concern. Moreover, this incident seemed to be the 1st such instance in Cachar district, though no such official confirmation in this respect has not been received.

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