FILE - This undated file electron microscope image made available by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows novel coronavirus particles, also known as the MERS virus, colorized in yellow. Health offic
FILE - This undated file electron microscope image made available by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows novel coronavirus particles, also known as the MERS virus, colorized in yellow. Health offic NIAID - RML, Associated Press
Herb Scribner
By Herb Scribner
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A new study found that patients with the novel coronavirus can keep the pathogen in their system for 37 days — more than an entire month, Bloomberg reports.

What’s going on:

  • Doctors in China discovered that virus’ RNA existed for a median of 20 days after they became infected, according to Bloomberg.
  • The study said: “The longest observed duration of viral shedding in survivors was 37 days.”
  • The authors wrote: The findings have “important implications for both patient isolation decision-making and guidance around the length of antiviral treatment.”
  • Currently, the recommended time of isolation is 14 days to help stop the spread of the virus, according to Bloomberg.

The numbers:

  • The novel coronavirus has spread to 118 countries, infecting more than 120,000 people since it started its spread in Wuhan, China.
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