Study: Seroprevalence of antibodies to COVID-19 in US

Editor's Note

This study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that the estimated number of COVID-19 infections was more than 10 times higher than the number reported from March 23 to May 12.

Serum samples from 16,025 individuals at 10 US sites were tested for antibodies.

Six to 24 times more infections were estimated per site with seroprevalence than with COVID-19 case report data.

The unreported infections likely included asymptomatic and mild infections for which healthcare was not sought, as well as symptomatic infections in those who either did not seek care or in whom viral testing was not performed.

Because people often don’t know they are infected with COVID-19, the public should continue to take steps to help prevent the spread, such as wearing masks, remaining 6 feet apart, washing hands frequently, and staying home when sick, the researchers say.