With inflating number of asymptomatic Covid-19 cases responsible for spreading the infection, India’s top medical research body is struggling with the problem caused by the “silent spreaders” and examining the feasibility of introducing ‘door-to-door’ surveillance in a bid to monitor and test older people at high risk who don’t have symptoms. Some experts, however, in a view that this is a costly and unachievable objective.
“Of 100 people with infection, 80 do not have symptoms,” Raman R Gangakhedkar, chief epidemiologist, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said on Monday, as reported by The Economic Times.
The new disclosure of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic infection in India has raised concerns. While ICMR officials are not recommending mass testing in India, given the size and scale of the country, experts in awareness with the development said the door-to-door surveillance model is being examined.
Under this model for polio in India, the vaccination teams go door to door, and check households.
Globally, too, there is valid and satisfying evidence that suggests that people who never develop symptoms can transmit the virus. Research studies from around the world published in the past weeks show that the spread by “invisible sources” as a fresh challenge in the fight against Covid-19.
This makes it much difficult to trace and quarantine everyone with the disease prior to start transmitting it to others. Public health experts opine that these invisible sources of contagion must be considered while deciding the rolling back of physical distancing measures.
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