The number of confirmed cases in the coronavirus outbreak racing across China and seeping around the globe rolled past 75,000 Wednesday, and though more than 2,000 people have died, many thousands more have recovered.

With no end to the outbreak in sight, health officials grapple with the issue of reinfection – whether people can "catch" the virus again.

Li QinGyuan, director of pneumonia prevention and treatment at China Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing, said a protective antibody is generated in those who are infected. "However, in certain individuals, the antibody cannot last that long," Li said. "For many patients who have been cured, there is a likelihood of relapse."

Li urged patients who have recovered from COVID-19 to be vigilant in their hygiene, such as washing their hands often.