THRISSUR: The
Covid-19 crisis has severely disrupted the financial and social lives of many families in the state. The tragic plight of a 35-year-old woman from Pariyaram, near Chalakkudy, who has tested
positive four times in the last two-and-a-half months, is a case in point.
Her husband is undergoing treatment for kidney failure and her daily wages were the sole financial support for the family consisting of two children and her elderly parents. According to her mother, she had spent the first one-and-a-half months, after testing positive for Covid-19, in her house. She was subsequently shifted to the first-line treatment centre (FLTC) at St James Hospital Academy, Chalakkudy.
Taluk hospital superintendent Dr Sheeja, who is also the nodal officer of the FLTC, said her health parameters remain normal.
“We conducted all tests, expect for HIV, and the results show no abnormalities. But she keeps testing positive for Covid-19,’’ Dr Sheeja said. Dr Noel, a physician at the taluk hospital who also examined her, said she has no immune-compromising issues.
“We have now conducted an RT-PCR test, as per the request of the family, and the results are awaited,’’ Dr Sheeja said.
Health authorities say an HIV test will be conducted, but only after the RT-PCR results come through.
The mother said authorities have informed her that her daughter will be discharged soon, as she has no other symptoms.
However, the family is worried that her positive antigen test results will prevent her from returning to work.
“My son-in-law has to undergo dialysis thrice a week and we will not be able to sustain unless we get some support,” the mother said.
Health experts say detailed studies must be conducted to determine why some persons are repeatedly testing positive for the novel coronavirus.