High SARS-CoV-2 seroincidence but low excess COVID mortality in Sierra Leone in 2020-2022.

ABSTRACT: While SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to have spread widely throughout Africa, documentation of associated mortality is limited. We implemented a representative serosurvey in one city of Sierra Leone in Western Africa, paired with nationally representative mortality and selected death registration data. Cumulative seroincidence using high quality SARS-CoV-2 serological assays was 69% by July 2021, rising to 84% by April 2022, mostly preceding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. About half of infections showed evidence of neutralizing antibodies. However, excess death rates were low, and were concentrated at older ages. During the peak weeks of viral activity, excess mortality rates were 22% for individuals aged 30-69 years and 70% for those over 70. Based on electronic verbal autopsy with dual independen

SUBMITTER: Osman A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11386415 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature