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COVID-19 Seropositive Rates between the Waves, Israel
Anat Ekka Zohar1, Jennifer Kertes2, Erica Cohen-Lunger1
1Division of Data and Digital Health, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Israel.
The Israel Medical Association Journal : IMAJ
|October 21, 2021
Summary
A study in Israel found that only 1.9% of adults were seropositive for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) four months after the first case. This low infection rate suggests that early public health measures were effective in controlling the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Israel experienced three COVID-19 waves, implementing containment measures.
- National serological testing was conducted with the Ministry of Health to estimate infection rates and undetected cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- Estimate population seropositivity for COVID-19.
- Identify factors associated with seropositivity.
- Approximate the proportion of asymptomatic infections.
Main Methods:
- Measured IgG seroconversion rates in over 17,000 Maccabi Healthcare Services members.
- Used direct standardization, adjusting for test sensitivity and specificity.
- Collected data via blood sampling and digital surveys on exposures and symptoms.
Main Results:
- An estimated 1.9% of the adult HMO population was seropositive.
- Seroconversion linked to international travel and contact with infected individuals.
- Symptoms like loss of smell/taste, fever, cough, and fatigue were associated with infection; 59% of seropositive individuals had no or a negative PCR test.
Conclusions:
- Adult seropositive rates were low compared to international data.
- Early public health interventions in Israel appeared effective in limiting COVID-19 entry and spread.
