SARS CoV-2 seroprevalence in a US school district during COVID-19

BMJ Paediatr Open. 2021 Oct 27;5(1):e001259. doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001259. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Reduced symptomatology and access to testing in children have led to underestimates of paediatric COVID-19 prevalence and raised concerns about school safety. To explore COVID-19 prevalence and risk factors in school settings, we conducted a SARS-CoV-2 serosurvey in a Vermont, USA school district in December 2020. Among 336 students (63%) and 196 teachers/staff (37%), adjusted seroprevalence was 4.7% (95% CI 2.9 to 7.2) and was lowest in preK-5 students (4-10 Years). Seroprevalence was 10-fold higher than corresponding state PCR data but was low overall with no evidence of onward transmissions. These results further support feasibility of in-person learning during COVID-19 with appropriate mitigation measures.

Keywords: COVID-19.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Schools
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Students