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. 2021 Feb 16;104(4):1526-1530.
doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1526.

High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Healthcare Workers in Bukavu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Denis Mukwege  1   2 , Aline Kusinza Byabene  2 , Eric Mungu Akonkwa  1   2 , Hafid Dahma  3 , Nicolas Dauby  4   5   6 , Jean-Paul Cikwanine Buhendwa  2 , Anne Le Coadou  5 , Isabel Montesinos  3 , Marie Bruyneel  7 , Guy-Bernard Cadière  8 , Olivier Vandenberg  5   9 , Yves Van Laethem  4
Affiliations

High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Healthcare Workers in Bukavu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Denis Mukwege et al. Am J Trop Med Hyg. .

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: N. D. is a post-doctorate clinical master specialist of the F.R.S.-FNRS. This work is dedicated to the healthcare workers, the patients, and families affected by SARS-CoV-2.

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