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Early Circulation of SARS-CoV-2, Congo, 2020
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|February 18, 2022
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) circulated in Congo earlier than previously thought. Antibody testing of blood samples revealed a significant increase in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity before the first official case report.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The initial detection and timeline of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emergence in Central Africa remained unclear.
- Understanding the early spread of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for public health preparedness and response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the introduction and early circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in the Republic of Congo.
- To establish a more accurate timeline for the arrival of SARS-CoV-2 in the region.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 937 blood samples collected between September 2019 and February 2020.
- Serological testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies to detect past infections.
Main Results:
- A notable increase in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was observed, rising from 1% in December 2019 to 5.3% by February 2020.
- This seropositivity surge preceded the first officially reported case of COVID-19 in March 2020.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 was circulating in Congo significantly earlier than previously documented.
- This early, undetected circulation highlights the importance of robust epidemiological surveillance for novel pathogens.
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