Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and Infection Fatality Ratio, Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, Louisiana, USA, May 2020

Abstract

Using a novel recruitment method and paired molecular and antibody testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, we determined seroprevalence in a racially diverse municipality in Louisiana, USA. Infections were highly variable by ZIP code and differed by race/ethnicity. Overall census-weighted seroprevalence was 6.9%, and the calculated infection fatality ratio was 1.63%.

Keywords: COVID-19; Louisiana; New Orleans; SARS-CoV-2; United States; convalescence; coronavirus disease; cross-sectional studies; healthcare disparities; prevalence; respiratory infections; seroepidemiologic studies; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; viruses; zoonoses.

Figure

Heat maps of current and past severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections after 7 weeks of an active stay-at-home order, 10 sites in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, Louisiana, USA, May 9–15, 2020. A) Viral shedding, as indicated by PCR-positive test. B) Exposure to virus, as indicated by PCR-positive test, IgG-positive test, or both. C) Number and percentage of persons who were tested in each ZIP code, who were shedding virus (PCR-positive), and who had past or current infection (having a PCR-positive test, IgG-positive test, or both).