As the incidence of novel coronavirus infection goes up globally, universal testing besides implementing precautions like handwashing and wearing mask, according to a study by John Hopkin's University, may also help in slowing down the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for causing the deadly disease.
"More testing resources are urgently needed to identify the true burden of Covid-19 in long-term care facilities so that we can be more successful in curbing infection and mortality in one of the disease's major hot spots," said study senior author Morgan Katz from the JHU.
Researchers performed universal testing among all 893 men and women, at 11 long-term care centres in Maryland, USA. Initially, only people who showed symptoms were being tested by the local health departments. It is found that among 893 people, 354 people tested Covid-19 positive, while only 153 were found positive when tested based on their symptoms. Almost 40 per cent of the total people tested positive during universal testing.
Universal screening, therefore, led to arise in Covid-19 cases among residents in the United state's long-term care facilities by 231 per cent. Of those who tested positive, about 281 people were asymptomatic.
"These results underscore the importance of universal testing, as symptom-based approaches may miss a substantial number of cases in long-term care facilities," said study lead author Benjamin Bigelow.
"Unrecognised asymptomatic cases among residents can severely hinder preventive strategies and increase the risk of the virus dangerously spreading," Bigelow added.