A 25-year-old man from Nevada, US, has become the second confirmed case of COVID-19 reinfection worldwide—and the first where symptoms were more severe the second time.
Earlier this week, researchers in Hong Kong reported the world's first verified reinfection with SARS-CoV-2. Unlike prior false positives from lingering viral fragments, this was a genuine new infection. Notably, that patient experienced milder symptoms and was asymptomatic during the second episode, detected via airport screening upon return from Spain via the UK.
Now, a new case report from US scientists, published on the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) and under peer review, details this Nevada patient's experience. Genetic analysis confirmed two distinct viral strains, ruling out persistent infection.
The patient first tested positive in mid-April 2020, presenting with classic symptoms: headache, sore throat, nausea, and diarrhea. He recovered within 10 days and tested negative twice.
By late May, symptoms recurred—fever and dizziness joined the mix. Within a week, hypoxemia set in, prompting hospitalization for respiratory support. He tested positive again, 48 days after the initial diagnosis.
Genomic sequencing showed natural mutations distinguishing the two viruses. Crucially, the patient had no underlying immune deficiencies.
Like the Hong Kong case, this underscores that prior infection doesn't guarantee full immunity. Vaccination may still be essential for those previously infected once vaccines are available.
