Studies estimate SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in Indiana, Atlanta

An estimated 2.8% of Indiana residents aged 12 or older randomly tested in late April had SARS-CoV-2 infection or antibodies, and 44% of those with active infections reported no symptoms, according to a July 21 report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those with a household member diagnosed with COVID-19 were 15 times more likely to test positive for SARS CoV-2 than those who did not.

The results indicate 187,802 Indiana residents were infected from the start of the pandemic through April 29, 9.6 times the number of confirmed cases, with an infection-fatality rate of 0.58%, six times the mortality rate for flu, the authors said. In a second study released July 21 by CDC, an estimated 2.5% of residents randomly tested in metropolitan Atlanta between April 28 and May 3 had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

Both reports highlight the importance of continued mitigation measures such as social distancing, face coverings and hand hygiene to prevent infection and reduce hospitalizations.