According to the third serological survey that was conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that above one-fifth of the country’s adult population at some point had been infected by COVID-19 by mid-December.

The separate data that was released on sero prevalence between those who were aged 10-18 was found to be approximately 25.3%. The data that was released had reflected the incidence of antibodiesas evidenced that the person had COVID-19.

ICMR director general Balram Bhargava said that Delhi was not included in the survey. Hence, have made statistical extrapolations stating that 21.4% of Indians were seropositive.

The third survey has found a significant increase in incidence in adults at 21.4%, from 7.1% during the second survey which was done in August. In the first survey that was conducted in April, only 0.7% incidence was detected.

The latest survey was organized and conducted in the same 700 villages in 70 districts throughout 21 states where the first and second surveys were conducted in April and August. In the healthcare workers, the seroprevalence was 25.7%, and among doctors and nurses it was 26.6%.

The government highlighted that a huge proportion of the population is still susceptible and there is no scope to lower our guard as herd immunity cannot be presumed. It also stated to follow the COVID-appropriate behaviour.

At present, India’s active caseload has fallen down to 1.6 lakh. The survey had covered 28,589 people aged over 10 along with 7,171 healthcare workers. The incidence in urban slums was found to be on the higher side at 31.7% and was followed by 26.2% in other urban areas and 19.1% in rural areas. The occurrence was slightly higher in women at around 22.7%, vs 20.3% in men.

Source: ET Healthworld