COVID-19-Induced High Fever Relieved by Maoto: A Case Report

Abstract

A24-year-old woman felt sore throat on day 1 of symptom onset and became feverish and had chills on day 2.She came to our clinic on day 3, and was diagnosed as having a cold. Subsequently, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) gene was detected in her nasopharyngeal swab by PCR ; therefore, she was isolated in a hotel room. On day 5, she started taking maoto, traditional Kamp medicine, because a high fever and nausea continued after her moving to the hotel. After taking maoto, perspiration was noted, and the fever resolved. Treatment with maoto was stopped for one day due to worsening of the nausea. The result of a new PCR was positive on day 7, but showed a decreased viral load. Maoto has been shown to be effective against influenza. The present case suggests that maoto may also be effective for novel coronavirus infection (coronavirus disease 2019 ; COVID-19) with influenza-like symptoms. In addition, since nausea may occur as a side effect of maoto, additional combination with other Kampo drug(s) may be considered.