50% Population In Bhubaneswar Have Developed Antibodies: RMRC Director

Bhubaneswar: The findings of the third round sero survey conducted in Odisha capital have revealed that nearly 50% infected residents have developed antibodies against COVID-19.

Briefing mediapersons on Friday, director of Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) Sanghamitra Pati said during the first sero survey in the city on July 11, only 1.42% of the population had developed antibodies while the number went up to 5.1% during the second sero survey on August 28.

However, in the third phase of joint survey conducted in the city by the RMRC, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the state Health and Family Welfare Department for three days from October 16 to 18, as many as 1403 random samples were collected from 25 wards and clusters and the survey report shows that around 50% of the population have developed antibodies.

Out of 25 wards, ward no-55 has the lowest percentage of antibodies (28%) while ward no-16 has the highest antibodies (63%). Apart from this, 10 wards have more 50% and five wards have more than 60% sero prevalence, she added.

“When a person is infected by the SARS-CoV-2, it takes 2-4 weeks to develop antibodies in the body. Going by this study, the findings of the antibody level in the third sero survey corresponds to the infection status of at least three weeks’ time. If we conduct another round of sero survey, we will find the prevalence of antibodies in more population,” she pointed out.

The RMRC director, however, said since 50% population in Bhubaneswar have not developed antibodies as they are not infected with COVID-19, extra precautions have to be taken to keep the disease at bay.