Short Wave How Many People Transmit The Coronavirus Without Ever Feeling Sick?
Jun 17, 2020
In this intriguing discussion, Pien Huang, NPR's science reporter, dives into the fascinating world of asymptomatic coronavirus carriers. She clarifies recent confusions caused by the WHO's messages about the rarity of asymptomatic spread. Huang explains the differences between asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic individuals and their significant roles in virus transmission. She also highlights the challenges of containment and the importance of clear public health messaging to navigate these complexities.
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WHO Confusion on Asymptomatic Spread
- A WHO scientist, Maria Van Kerkhove, stated that asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19 is "very rare".
- This caused confusion and was later clarified by the WHO, as it contradicted existing evidence.
Asymptomatic vs. Pre-symptomatic
- Asymptomatic individuals never develop symptoms, while pre-symptomatic individuals will eventually show symptoms.
- It's difficult to distinguish between the two until symptoms appear, making it challenging to study asymptomatic spread.
Prevalence of Asymptomatic Cases
- It's uncertain how many people are truly asymptomatic, with estimates ranging from 6% to potentially over 80%.
- One study on a cruise ship found 81% of infected individuals were asymptomatic, highlighting the wide range of possibilities.