Beema see ka kahna hai ki any deshon kee tulana mein mumbee sero ka sarvekshan parinaam behatar hai.
Mumbai, the bustling metropolis known for its diversity and resilience, has been grappling with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the midst of this crisis, a recent survey conducted by the Sero Gov has shed light on an intriguing aspect of the city's response to the virus: the presence of COVID antibodies among slum dwellers.
The findings of the survey have sparked optimism among health experts, as it suggests that a significant portion of the slum population may have acquired immunity to the virus. This phenomenon, known as herd immunity, occurs when approximately 60% of the population has been exposed to the virus, leading to a decrease in its transmission.
Dr. Daksh Shah, a senior health officer, expressed satisfaction with the results, noting that they surpassed those of similar surveys conducted in other countries. In Spain, for example, only around 5% of the population exhibited antibodies according to recent reports.
A stark contrast was observed in Delhi, where a sero-survey indicated the potential for a staggering 232% population infection rate. This discrepancy underscores the complexity of the pandemic's impact on different regions and populations.
The Sero Gov team meticulously collected data during the initial phase of the pandemic, gathering samples from both slum and non-slum areas. While the focus was primarily on slum areas, aiming for a sample size of 4,400-4,500 from these communities, a comparable number was also collected from non-slum areas.
It was discovered that in "gair-sahakaaree" (non-slum) areas, only up to 70% of the population could be effectively managed based on residents' specific identification.
Dr. Jayanti Shastri, head of the Molecular Diagnostic Lab at Kasturba Hospital, emphasized the rigorous selection criteria for the survey participants, ensuring representation from high, low, and medium caseload areas.
Among the 1,633 cases analyzed, North Zone exhibited the lowest prevalence rate, while East Zone reported the highest, with over 3,000 cases. The West Zone fell in between, with 3,101 cases.
Dr. Shastri highlighted that a subset of positive samples would be sent to a translational health science and technology institute for further analysis. "The institute will conduct tests to identify neutralizing antibodies against spike proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This will provide valuable insights into immunity," she explained.
An official from Sero Gov noted that the previous sero-survey conducted in May had shown a positivity rate of 30-40% in Mumbai's slum areas.
Starting August 10, the team will revisit the same three zones to capture changes in prevalence rates. While the survey revealed higher prevalence among women compared to men, the age-wise distribution remained relatively similar across the three zones.
It is evident from the conclusions that surface transmission is more prevalent, especially in densely populated areas such as slums.
The statement from Sero Gov also highlighted the significantly low fatality rate (0.05-0.10%) combined with the current widespread (estimated) prevalence in the city.
Dr. Ullas Kolthur-Seetharam emphasized the need for cautious optimism alongside the positive outcomes.
However, the cases in non-slum pockets underscore the importance of continued mask-wearing and adherence to social distancing measures."
As Mumbai continues its battle against the pandemic, these findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission and immunity within the city's diverse communities. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of targeted interventions and ongoing vigilance in mitigating the impact of the virus.
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