A third have no antibodies despite a positive test – Lower Austria

In spring, an above-average number of citizens in the commercial city of Reichenau an der Rax (Neunkirchen district) were infected with the corona virus through a so-called “Overcast Event” (choir rehearsal). Sometimes 260 people were quarantined at home.

To determine how far the virus had spread in the community, an antibody test study was carried out in Reichenau in June under the direction of state medical authorities. Health Councilor Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig, along with State Medical Director Irmgard Lechner, Mayor Johann Döller and Christian Hummer from the state statistics department, reported the results at a press conference in St. Pölten on Monday.

Boy without antibodies

“2,637 people were invited, 1,824 people participated in the antibody study, that’s almost 70 percent,” said the health advisor. “A total of 61 people in Reichenau were ill, 49 of them participated in the study. 71.4 percent had antibodies, “said the regional councilor. According to this, 28.6 percent, almost a third, did not develop any antibodies despite the infection.

At the same time as the test, people were questioned in detail about demographics, symptoms and underlying diseases. “The most common symptoms reported by PCR positives were cough, tiredness, loss of sense of taste and smell, and fever. All the people who tested positive for PCR had a cough during this period. This study was important in clarifying questions about the infection rate and the symptoms and course of the disease, ”says Königsberger-Ludwig.

According to the study, the group produced almost no antibodies between the ages of 15 and 40. Also, a cold is not the main symptom of a Covid disease, said state medical director Irmgard Lechner, who also emphasized: “That means it is little Children with a cold who do not have a fever are likely to have Covid. ” Johann Döller, Mayor of the Reichenau community, thanked the state and medical staff for the good cooperation.