A study of nearly 700 people

The seroprevalence study took place from June 30 to July 17 in three neighborhoods of Perpignan: Saint-Jacques, Haut-Vernet, and Nouveau-Logis. In total, 700 adults and children over the age of 6 living in the study area were interviewed and tested using blood samples collected by the Perpignan University Hospital laboratory. The participation rate reached 56%.

“In March, we faced a significant cluster of cases, the majority of whom lived within the Romani community in the neighborhoods of Saint-Jacques, Haut-Vernet, and Nouveau-Logis (approximately 10,000 residents). We felt it was important to measure the impact of COVID-19 in this community and to better understand the modes of transmission,” explains Dr. Hugues Aumaître, head of the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases (SMIT) at Perpignan University Hospital.

Initial results indicate significant circulation of the virus

Initial analyses show that 35.4% of those tested have been exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These findings vary across the neighborhoods within the study area, with Saint-Jacques being the most affected at 47% (compared to 14% in Haut-Vernet and 17% in the Nouveau Logis neighborhood). The seroprevalence rate is higher among women (39% compared to 31% among men). People aged 65 and older were less exposed to infection (14.7%), suggesting fewer contacts with infected individuals, adherence to preventive measures, and greater isolation of these individuals, who are perceived as more vulnerable by the community. Furthermore, nearly 22% of all those who tested positive reported no symptoms.

According to data from the Epicov¹ study (a national seroprevalence study of the general population), the seroprevalence rate was estimated at 1.9% for Occitanie in May. These results confirm significant circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus within these neighborhoods of Perpignan during the first wave of the epidemic.

“In the current context of a resurgence of the epidemic in France, and particularly in Occitanie, the initial results of this survey reinforce the need to continue efforts targeting vulnerable populations in order to reduce the risk of infection, through the implementation of targeted prevention measures adapted to this community-based population,” emphasizes Damien Mouly, head of the Occitanie unit at Santé publique France.

An in-depth analysis is underway to study the correlation between serological markers and the presence of clinical symptoms, and to assess the association between seroprevalence levels and certain sociocultural and environmental factors. The results will be available by the end of 2020.

It is more necessary than ever for the population in these neighborhoods to maintain or even strengthen adherence to protective measures and preventive protocols. Although the seroprevalence rate is higher than in other neighborhoods, the fact remains that a significant portion of the unimmunized population remains at risk of infection. Beyond the risk of infection, this population is also at greater risk of developing severe cases due to the higher prevalence of certain conditions known to increase the risk of developing a more severe form of COVID-19.