ICMR third national serosurvey: 28 crore Indians had been infected by COVID-19

The results of the Indian Council of Medical Research's third serological survey has made shocking revelations. According to the survey results, about 21.4% or 28 crore Indians had been infected by the SARS-CoV2 by mid-December 2020.

The latest national serosurvey, also notes that a large proportion of people are still vulnerable to the infection. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) third national serosurvey was conducted between December 7 last year and January 8.

Presenting the findings of the survey, ICMR Director General Dr Balram Bhargava said 21.4% of the 28,589 people, aged 18 years and above, surveyed during the period showed evidence of past exposure to the coronavirus infection. While 25.3% of children aged 10 to 17 years from the same number of surveyed population have had the disease, he said.

Findings of the survey

Urban slums (31.7%) and urban non-slums (26.2%) had a higher SARS-CoV-2 prevalence than that in rural areas (19.1%).

23.4% of individuals above 60 years of age had suffered from COVID-19.

Blood samples of 7,171 healthcare workers were also collected and the seroprevalence was found to be 25.7%.

The survey was conducted in 700 villages or wards in 70 districts in 21 states.

Survey was conducted in same places selected during the first and second rounds of the national serosurvey.

India's COVID-19 cumulative positivity rate is 5.42% and declining.

The weekly positivity rate (last week) was recorded at 1.82%.

47 districts have not reported any new case of COVID-19.

251 districts have not registered any new deaths in the last three weeks.

So far, 49,93,427 beneficiaries have been vaccinated in the country out of which 11 states and Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, Assam, Ladakh, Chandigarh, Meghalaya and Manipur, have covered 30% or less healthcare workers through the COVID-19 vaccination, it said.

(With Agency Inputs)