Sen. Bob Casey tests positive for covid-19 antibodies, donates plasma

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said he donated plasma Friday after he learned he had antibodies to covid-19, hoping it will help others fighting covid-19.

Casey, D-Scranton, said an antibody test he took last week suggested that the mild flu-like symptoms and low-grade fever he experienced earlier this spring were caused by covid-19. He is among eight members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Butler, who have contracted and recovered from the viral illness. Another 46 members have said they self-quarantined after coming into contact with someone who had the illness.

Now, Casey said he’s anxious to get back to Washington and concentrate on passing legislation to fight the economic and health impacts of the covid-19 pandemic.

The 60-year-old senator said he kept his suspicions to himself after discussing his illness with his doctor. He opted to self-isolate at home in Scranton for two weeks.

“I consulted my physician over the phone, who suggested that I quarantine at home in Scranton for a period of two weeks. Fortunately, I was easily able to isolate myself. My wife was out of town at the time to be with our eldest daughter and son-in-law, who were expecting their first child,” Casey said.

In the days leading up to his illness, Casey said he wore a mask and kept away from others. He said his symptoms were relatively mild and manageable, so he did not seek medical care.

“My fever went away on its own by mid-April, and it was never recommended that I be tested for the virus. I was able to work during my illness, remotely engaging with constituents and staff and keeping a full schedule,” he said.

Still, when he learned that he might be able to donate plasma that could be used to treat others suffering from covid-19, he opted to take an antibody test. It was a foregone conclusion that he would give plasma when the test came back positive on Wednesday.

The importance of giving back was underscored for him when his father, the late Gov. Bob Casey, was the beneficiary of a heart and liver transplant in 1993.

“My father got seven years of life because a mother, in the midst of her grief, said, ‘I’ll allow my son’s organs to be donated.’ This is a small thing next to that, but it’s an important thing. One donation is not enough. If the number of people who give plasma keeps growing, it could lead to something more,” he said.

Casey became the second Pennsylvania member of Congress to step forward and donate plasma after recovering from covid-19. Earlier this month, Kelly stepped forward to donate plasma after recovering from a bout of covid-19 that left the 72-year-old congressman exhausted and 30 pounds lighter.

Like Casey, Kelly said he’ll be making additional plasma donations.

Researchers are still working to develop an effective drug treatment for covid-19. But experts say the antibodies in the plasma of those who have recovered from the illness have been used as a treatment.

Casey said he is anxious to work on legislation to address the covid-19 pandemic.

“I thought it was a lost opportunity in May when we were voting on executive nominations and maybe three votes on FISA. We shouldn’t be voting on executive nominations or even judges right now. I just don’t think they rise to the top when we have covid-19. I’d like to see Sen. McConnell call us back in June to pass help for state and local government, maybe another round of help for small business and checks for people,” he said.