‘Half of Bhubaneswar population may have been exposed to virus’

Half of Bhubaneswar’s population may have been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 an infection and developed antibodies, finds the third sero-survey performed by the Regional Medical Research Laboratory (RMRC).

“The present and third sero-survey was carried out from October 16 to 18. As many as 1,403 samples were taken for tests in 25 clusters or wards of city. We have found that antibody has formed in 50% of the city’s population,” mentioned Sanghamitra Pati, Director of RMRC, an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) institute, right here on Friday.

Sero-surveys are performed by drawing blood samples and checking for a particular class of antibodies that seem inside two weeks of an an infection.

First spherical of survey

“In the first round of sero-survey conducted in Bhubaneswar on July 11, we had found 1.42% sero-prevalence in community level. Since more than 98% were not exposed, it was then decided to do another survey. The sero-survey done on August 28 indicated sero-prevalence at 5.1%,” mentioned Dr. Pati.

“The present October 16-18 survey corresponds to infection status prior to three weeks ago that means if fresh sero-survey is carried out, the sero-prevalence would go up further,” she noticed.

According to findings, there has been variation in sero-prevalence from one ward to one other. For instance, 28% prevalence was present in Ward-55 whereas it was 63% in Ward-16. In 10 out of 25 wards, the sero-prevalence was above 50%. There was above 60% sero-prevalence in 5 wards.

The survey didn’t discover variation so far as gender was involved. Both women and men have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 uniformly. More than 90% folks, who had antibody, have been asymptomatic.

“One third of people had undergone tests through Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or Rapid Antigen Tests which shows effectiveness of the door-to-door survey of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation,” she mentioned.

‘Can’t be complacent’

“The outcome is a matter of relief because the sero-survey gives indication about what lies ahead. Since 50% are not exposed, we cannot be complacent. We need to wear mask and maintain social distancing,” the RMRC director remarked.