The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time.
According to the CDC, Dr Rochelle Walensky experienced mild symptoms on Sunday and is currently isolated at her home in Massachusetts.
Walensky, who is 53, tested positive for the first time on Oct. 21. She took the antiviral medication Paxlovid and later tested negative. The symptoms have returned, and Walensky is back in isolation, working and holding virtual meetings, according to the CDC
Paxlovid has been shown to be effective in preventing serious disease and death in those who are most vulnerable, such as the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. However, it appears that the pill has little or no benefit for younger adults. Some users of Paxlovid have reported a return of symptoms after completing the five-day pill regimen.
According to CDC officials, Walensky is up to date on her vaccinations.
Walensky assumed control of the CDC in January 2021. She is one of several health officials in the United States who have received Covid-19.
In June, both Dr Anthony Fauci, the public face of America’s pandemic response, and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra tested positive.
