the Actual number of infected COVID-19 in Italy can be 6 times higher than the official data. Many recovered from the infection without overt symptoms. This is the conclusion reached by the authors of a study conducted by the Italian Ministry of health and national statistical office.
Officially, Italy was almost 250 000 cases of coronavirus. However, according to the study, which tested 64 660 people infected was much higher – many were infected, without even knowing it. For 27.3%, ie every fourth subject had an asymptomatic infection.
With the greatest risk of infection was within families: from 41.7% in subjects who lived with the infected, developed antibodies. In General, according to the study, 1.5 million Italians (about 2.5% of the population) have antibodies to COVID-19.
the Study also found regional differences in the presence of antibodies in the blood of patients. Thus, in the Northern Lombardy region, where more than half of all infected people in Italy people, only 7.5% of the population have antibodies to the coronavirus. And in southern Italy – less than 1% of people are immune.
However, it is still unclear how long will remain in the blood of antibodies produced by the immune system against coronavirus.
