Low awareness of past SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthy plasma donors
Katja van den Hurk, Eva‐Maria Merz, Femmeke J. Prinsze, M.L.C. Spekman, Franke A. Quee, Steven Ramondt, Ed Slot, Hans Vrielink, Elisabeth M.J. Huis in ’t Veld, Hans L. Zaaijer, Boris M. Hogema
Abstract
2020 to report COVID-19-related symptoms, and we tested for antibodies indicative of a past infection with SARS-CoV-2. Among 3,676 with antibodies, and from questionnaire data, 239 (6.5%) are positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Of those, 48% suspect no COVID-19, despite the majority reporting symptoms; 11% of seropositive individuals report no symptoms and 27% very mild symptoms at any time during the first peak of the epidemic. Anosmia/ageusia and fever are most strongly associated with seropositivity. Almost half of seropositive individuals do not suspect SARS-CoV-2 infection. Improved recognition of COVID-19 symptoms, in particular, anosmia/ageusia and fever, is needed to reduce widespread SARS-CoV-2 transmission.