'Ohio Man' Infected With COVID-19 For Two + YEARS

An infected person in Ohio has been carrying a 'cryptic' strain of COVID for years

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Scientists are searching for an Ohio resident who is believed to be the longest-running COVID-19 patient on record. (At least 2 years!)

The individual, who lives in the Columbus area, is carrying a highly mutated strain of the virus that is unlike any variant that has been seen before.

Wastewater sampling has detected the virus, indicating that the individual is shedding it through their stool. The strain has evolved differently from existing variants such as Omicron and Delta, and its genetic makeup is significantly distinct. The virus is believed to be circulating in only this single individual.

The person who has been infected with COVID-19 for over two years, regularly commutes between Washington Court House and Columbus, Ohio. Researchers suspect that the individual lives in Washington Court House and commutes to Columbus for work or school.

Scientists are worried about the highly mutated strain of COVID-19 because it could pose a significant risk if it were to start circulating in the population. The virus has likely adapted to the individual's body, allowing it to persist without being detected by the immune system. While it is unlikely, there is a possibility that the virus could acquire additional mutations that would allow it to spread to others.

The reasons for the prolonged infection and whether the patient is contagious are still unknown. It is common for people with prolonged infections to have weakened immune systems, making it difficult for their bodies to clear the virus.

Incredible that this person is shedding an extremely high viral load for years. You’d think if you had chronic diarrhea for 2 years you’d see a doctor - or get looked at! But this is just speculation.

Do you think this person knows they are infected? Or even has any symptoms?

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