Undergoing Antigen Swab, 2 Comorbid Patients Sweetly Infected With COVID-19 Treated By Samarinda Hospital

JABAR - At least two patients who were treated at the Abdul Wahab Sjahranie (AWS) Regional General Hospital (RSUD) Samarinda indicated that COVID-19 was based on the results of the antigen swab examination (swab test).

"The samples of the two patients were sent to the Banjarbaru Health Center for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing to ensure a diagnosis and detect possible new variants," said Head of the East Kalimantan Health Service (Dinkes) Jaya Muslimin in Samarinda, Monday, June 9, confiscated by Antara.

He explained that until now there have been no reports of confirmed cases of COVID-19 PCR in East Kalimantan. However, the positive results of the rapid antigen test on the two patients at the AWS Hospital raise vigilance.

"They were treated first, not because of COVID-19, there were patients who were treated for diabetes and lung disease. After a quick test, the results were positive," said Jaya.

Jaya added that the positive results of the antigen swab could not be confirmed as a COVID-19 case without confirmation of PCR.

Although it has not been confirmed, the East Kalimantan Health Office has taken anticipatory steps. The two patients with comorbid diabetes infected with COVID-19 are now being treated in a special isolation room to prevent the spread.

"We treat patients who are treated with diabetes specifically, in places of infection," said Jaya.

Acting Director of Abdul Wahab Sjahranie Hospital (AWS), Indah Puspitasari confirmed information about two patients who were being treated in an isolation room with positive antigen swab results.

"Currently in the isolation treatment room, the AWS Hospital is treating two patients whose antigen swab results have positive results, then the samples are sent to Banjarbaru for PCR, whether including the new variant of COVID-19," said Indah.

He added that positive antigen swab results can be obtained due to patient congenital diseases, namely diabetes mellitus and lung disease. The two patients are residents of East Kalimantan and have no history of travel to other cities or abroad.

The AWS Hospital has coordinated with the East Kalimantan Health Office and reported this case to the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes). The Ministry of Health has facilitated sampling to detect whether it is included in the new variant of COVID-19.

Although the new variant of COVID-19 is said to have not caused death, vigilance remains a priority.

Responding to this development, the East Kalimantan Health Office immediately held a meeting with the heads of the hospital and representatives of the hospital and the Puskesmas to determine the next steps.