The researchers think there could be a difference between the actual and official numbers due to a percentage of citizens who have been infected with the virus but do not show any symptoms. At the same time, they can potentially transmit it to other people, and the overall tally continues to grow.
A group of scientists from California estimates that the actual number of COVID-19 cases in one county may be up to 85 times higher than the official data.
The Stanford University-led researchers took data from Santa Clara County as the basis for their study, where 3,330 adults and minors have been tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. According to their findings, the COVID-19 prevalence in the area ranged from 2.49 percent to 4.16 percent, representing 50-85 times more cases than the number confirmed by the authorities.
Apart from detecting asymptomatic carriers, recording previously unreported cases will also help provide better estimates on the prevalence of COVID-19, the study suggests.
According to the researchers, their findings will help make more accurate projections on the epidemic’s spread and mortality rate in the future.
Sourse: sputniknews.com
