Biden tests positive for covid-19 again - What are rebound cases of coronavirus?
The President has suffered a resurgence of the virus after first testing positive last week. Some have drawn links to the Paxlovid treatment he received.
President Joe Biden has once again tested positive for covid-19, suffering what appears to have been a rebound case after taking the Paxlovid coronavirus treatment. He tested positive on Saturday morning but is not feeling any symptoms.
Biden has decided to resume what his team termed “strict isolation procedures,” following the latest medical advice. He has also pulled out of some planned engagements, such as a trip to Michigan on Tuesday to promote legislation supporting the domestic semiconductor industry.
“The President has experienced no re-emergence of symptoms, and continues to feel quite well,” said Dr Kevin C. O’Connor, White House physician. “This being the case, there is no reason to reinitiate treatment at this time, but we will obviously continue close observation.”
Writing on Twitter, Biden sought to assure the American public that he was feeling well and could continue to work in isolation. He said: “I’m still at work, and will be back on the road soon.”
What are rebound cases of covid-19?
On 24 May the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a health alert, warning that covid-19 positivity, and sometimes symptoms, can return in patients treated with Paxlovid. The CDC guidance made clear that most rebound cases are very minor and there have been no reports of serious illnesses the second time around, but the infectiousness of those with a rebound case is unclear.
Experts in infectious diseases have implored the government to study rebound cases more proactively. Studies have suggested that rebound infections can still be passed on and some have asked whether a more lengthy treatment schedule, when patients are given Paxlovid, could reduce the risk.
Paxlovid is produced by Pfizer. Studies carried out by the pharmaceutical giant suggests that rebounds are extremely rare and are as likely to occur in patients who received the Paxlovid treatment as with those who took a placebo pill.
When did Biden get covid-19?
The President first reported testing positive on 21 July, one week before the recent rebound was detected. During the first bout of coronavirus he reportedly suffered only mild symptoms, such as runny nose, fatigue, high temperature and a cough.
Biden was prescribed a five-day course of Paxlovid treatment which is available via emergency use authorisation for those who are at a high risk of severe illness. The 79-year-old completed the treatment but has since tested positive. After his first positive test the White House confirmed that Biden had only had 17 close contacts, and that none of them had since tested positive themselves.
First Lady Jill Biden was in Delaware when her husband first tested positive and has not returned to the White House since.
It is not yet clear how long Biden will remain in isolation for. Current CDC guidance urges those who experience a rebound case to “restart isolation and isolate again” for at least five days.