50% people develop antibodies against COVID-19 in this Odisha town

Malkangiri: Amidst increasing number of COVID-19 positive cases across the State,  the sero survey results came out in Malkangiri town where antibody against the deadly virus has been developed in 50 percent of its population.

As per a sero survey jointly conducted by the Malkangiri district administration and Regional Medical Research Center (RMRC), as many as 50% population have developed antibodies against COVID-19, informed Collector Manish Agarwal.

Total 1613 samples were collected from 19 wards under Malkangiri Municipality area on October 6,7 and 8 for serological surveillance in the urban area of southern Odisha district. Of total samples, 595 were the COVID warriors to estimate COVID sero prevalence.

Though, the sero prevalence among urban citizens in Malkangiri is considered to be satisfactory, the remaining population in the town is at higher risk to get infected with the deadly virus, Agarwal said suggesting people to follow COVID-19 rules and maintain physical distance to contain spread of infection in the community.

The sero survey has also been conducted in rural areas of the tribal district. The samples have been collected from population of various age groups in 42 villages. The report will be revealed very soon, he said.