The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in quarantine workers and high-risk communities in Vietnam

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in high-risk communities and quarantine workers in Vietnam. MethodsThe prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was measured in household contacts, close contacts, community members, and migrant workers from two sub-communes in which COVID-19 outbreaks occurred in early 2021: Bac Ma 1 and Tien. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was also evaluated among quarantine workers at two facilities responsible for quarantining of contacts of COVID-19 cases. ResultsAmong 2069 participants from the two sub-communes, six individuals (0.3%) had detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies despite no history of COVID-19. This included one Vietnamese migrant worker, two community members, two household contacts, and one close contact of known COVID-19 cases. Among 50 workers at two COVID-19 quarantine facilities, including 15 health care workers (HCWs), one of the HCWs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (1/50, 2.0%) despite no known disease. ConclusionThe prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was low in Vietnamese ‘hotspots’, suggesting limited community transmission.