Zimbabwe faces a major threat in the spread of the corona virus as a result of what medical practioners are calling a False Negative Result, the Zim Morning Post has learnt.
In an exclusive interview with the Zim Morning Post, a local doctor who requested anonymity given the sensitive nature of the corona virus subject in the country said both the citizens and those in the frontline fighting the scourge face a high risk due to false negative results.
“Well the biggest issue is under testing. So we are sitting on false figures. Not everyone who has coronavirus and is infectious will have symptoms to present to a hospital to be tested,” said the doctor.
“This is the biggest challenge we have because suspected cases whose results are false negatives are set free and they continue to spread the virus.”
On Sunday the Health Ministry said it tested 15 contacts who were in contact with one positive case (the late Zororo Makamba) and only one of the 15 tested positive.
“We are sitting on a time bomb because testing is only done once a suspected patient has exhibited close to 90% of the symptoms.”
“We have no standard questionnaire. We have no standard protocol. Or its not well disseminated. Institutions are just doing what ever they see fit. No plan from the top,” the doctor said.
The doctor also said False Negative Results are common whenever tests are being carried out but very dangerous when dealing with a virus like corona.