High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Healthcare Workers in Bukavu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Denis Mukwege, Aline Byabene, Eric Mungu Akonkwa, Hafid Dahma, Nicolás Dauby, Jean-Paul Cikwanine Buhendwa, Anne Le Coadou, Isabel Montesinos, Marie Bruyneel, Guy‐Bernard Cadière, Olivier Vandenberg, Yves Van Laethem
Abstract
Among 359 healthcare workers (HCW) employed in Panzi General Referral Hospital located in Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 148 (41.2%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Thirty-three (22.3%) of the 148 personnel with positive serology reported symptoms evoking a prior COVID-19 illness. None of the infected HCWs reported COVID-related hospitalization, and all of them recovered. Our findings indicate high and underestimated circulation of SARS-CoV-2 within the Bukavu area.
Topics & Concepts
SeroprevalenceSerologyCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)ReferralMedicineHealth care2019-20 coronavirus outbreakFamily medicineVirologyAntibodyInternal medicineImmunologyDiseaseOutbreakPolitical scienceLawInfectious disease (medical specialty)SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchCOVID-19 epidemiological studiesCOVID-19 Clinical Research Studies