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“That’s surprising, but it corresponds to the fact that fewer antibodies are formed in a mild course (typical for this age group, note),” Lower Austria’s state medical director Irmgard Lechner said at a news conference on Monday. .
In the June study, antibody testing was offered to the entire population with their primary residence and people in critical infrastructure in Reichenau. The community was severely affected by the spring pandemic with 61 sick people and up to 260 people in quarantine, thus offering good conditions for a full survey.
Video: Antibody study yields surprising results
6.5 percent Reichenauer with antibodies
1,824 of the 2,637 invited participated in the study of provincial statistics for Lower Austria, which corresponds to about 70 percent. 49 of the 61 who tested positive in the spring were also there. Antibodies were detected in 71.4 percent of the patients who could be assigned to different age groups. A total of 6.5 percent of the community residents had antibodies.
Study participants were also asked about possible symptoms, disease course, and sociodemographic characteristics. “All those who tested positive for antibodies by PCR had a cough. Loss of taste and smell, severe fatigue and fever were also reported as other symptoms,” reported Health Councilor Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig (SPÖ).
Those who had not produced antibodies, instead, mainly complained of a cold, which “is not the main symptom of a Covid disease,” Lechner explained. That’s why even cool-headed kids without fever are “probably not” sick with Covid-19, he added regarding the school year just started.
“No one is safe. You don’t know how difficult it will be for you,” said Reichenau Mayor Hannes Döller (ÖVP). That is why vigilance and personal responsibility are especially important. The study also serves as a key to new findings.
Follow-up of contacts “correct strategy”
For Lechner and Königsberger-Ludwig, the results showed that Lower Austria’s strategy in the fight against coronavirus is the correct one. “At that time we did not quarantine the whole place, but we used contact tracing, as we do today,” said the state medical director. Understanding the chain of infection is “the most important thing.” According to the survey, the level of contamination in the community is around six percent.
However, the state councilor added that testing capabilities are being verified in the country. Mobile testers are particularly important to quickly gain clarity on suspicious cases. There are currently 35 teams. “We are considering the possibility of using even more test stations with direct access,” said the regional councilor. Faster tests are also being discussed. “You don’t have to panic, but you have to be careful,” he appealed to Königsberger-Ludwig and called on the population to cooperate widely with the contact tracing teams.
