Seroprevalence survey: 92.9% population in Telangana has COVID antibodies
A new Seroprevalence survey has revealed that 92.9 percent of people in Telangana have developed antibodies against COVID 19.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 22 April 2022 4:40 AM GMT
Hyderabad: A new Seroprevalence survey has revealed that 92.9 percent of people in Telangana have developed antibodies against COVID 19.
The seroprevalence among Health Care Workers is estimated at 93.1%.
Conducted by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and the State Health department between January 4 and February 2, it covered 14,179 participants from the general population and 3,843 healthcare workers.
Overall, the seropositivity among the general population in Telangana was 92.9 percent and it ranged from 89.2 percent in Bhadradri Kothagudem and Rajanna Siricilla. The highest of 97 percent was recorded in Hyderabad.
No significant differentials were observed in gender, community, urbanĀrural, religion, education status, occupation, morbidity, and COVIDĀ19 contact history. A senior health official said that cases increase in regions with susceptible populations, which means those who were not infected yet, or unvaccinated.
According to the survey, children in the 6-9 year age group have seropositivity levels of only 67.3 percent. Children in the age group of 10 to 17 have seropositivity of 77.5 percent
"There is clear evidence of herd immunity against SARS-CoV-2 among the general population in Telangana. As a result of it, Telangana is in a very good position to tackle future surge in Covid infections," said Dr. G Srinivasa Rao, DPH.
The serosurvey exposes that there is a possibility that children can test positive in large numbers, though the infection could be mild. Director of Public Health Dr. GS Rao called for immunizing children between 12 to 17.
Dr. G Srinivas Rao said going by serological surveys conducted in Telangana, the state is unlikely to witness a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, wearing masks in outdoor settings is mandatory for the public.
Dr. Rao said that cases of COVID-19 are on the rise in China, Taiwan, and Egypt. Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are witnessing increasing cases. He said that the pandemic is in control in Telangana and only about 20-25 cases are being reported per day.
He said that the cases may rise but not like the third wave.
"Within 6 weeks to 8 weeks, we can see a rise in cases but it may not be like the third wave. Mask is mandatory. If anybody is found without a mask, police will impose fines up to Rs 1000. As people have developed more than 90% of antibodies, we can say we have to wear the mask when going in public," Dr. Rao said.
