Half of the population of Nagpur recovered from COVID-19 through own immunity: Sero Survey
According to a recent sero servey conducted between October 15 and November 5, COVID-19 prevalence in the NMC area was 49.7% and Nagpur rural its 20.7%.
This means about half of the population in city got infected by coronavirus and recovered through own immunity. As per this survey, overall 35.17 % population in the district has developed antibodies. Or, 64.83% population is still vulnerable for Covid infection. Citizens still largely need to follow Covid-19 rules.
Zone wise, lowest prevalence was seen in Hanuman Nagar at 35.8% while highest at 65% was in Ashi Nagar zone.
Area wise, 80% surveyed candidates in Vinoba Bhave Nagar, and 75% in Tandapeth had antibodies while Janaki Nagar was the cluster with lowest sero-prevalence of 16%.
The localities where high number of Covid-19 cases were reported during the
earlier phase are Mominpura and Satranjipura. They expectedly had higher number of people with antibodies.
In case a second wave hits, these localities will have fewer number of cases. On the other hand, localities like Narendra Nagar (24%), Janaki Nagar (16%), Somalwada (32%) may have more cases. People residing in localities where sero prevalence is less need to be more careful.
The designing of the sero-survey protocol, training of staff, compilation and analysis of data were done by department of community medicine, GMC, Nagpur, and logistic support was provided by Nagpur Municipal Commissioner and district collector Nagpur.
In this survey, blood samples were collected from all over the district and they were tested for presence of Covid antibodies, which are fighting mechanism developed by body against the disease. Presence of antibodies is indicative of past infection.
After analyzing the figures, divisional commissioner Dr Sanjeev Kumar appealed to the people residing in Nagpur district to follow social distancing norms and avoid crowding.
People are also advised to get themselves tested and isolated at the earliest, in case they develop symptoms like cough, fever and breathlessness.
The sero surveillance was carried out under the guidance of GMCH Dean Dr Sajal Mitra by Dr Uday Narlawar, HoD of community medicine department and Dr BB Murhar, HoD of biochemistry GMC, Nagpur. Dr Sanjay Zodapey, vice president Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, provided technical support.
