Dr. Konjhodžić: Virus does not die with the patient, but without living cells, the possibility of replication disappears

(Patria) - Rijad Konjhodžić, a specialist in genetic medicine and molecular diagnostics, gave an answer to the news agency Patria to a question that has divided the public and the profession in recent days - whether the virus dies with the patient.

According to the Minister of Health of Republika Srpska, Alen Šeranić, there is no fear of the virus after the death of an infected person.

'The virus dies at the moment a person dies, because it needs a living cell for reproduction and life itself. However, the pathologist should wear personal protective equipment regardless of the cause of death,' said the relevant entity minister.

On the other hand, the Assistant Federal Minister of Public Health, Dr. Goran Čerkez, claims the opposite.

'It is important to say that the virus does not die with the patient,' he emphasized.

Konjhodžić clarified the dilemma.

'It is a complex question, but the general answer is no, but without living cells, the possibility of virus replication disappears,' said Konjhodžić.

We asked why autopsies are not being performed in KS and what could be the reason.

'I really cannot say, it is not my field of expertise, nor do I have all the information. It is also illogical to me that they are not being performed, autopsy is the cornerstone of medicine, and the only absolute diagnosis, but I repeat, I do not like to speak outside my field of expertise,' added Konjhodžić.