86% of People Infected With Covid-19 Are Unaware & Are Unknowingly Spreading It, Says China Study

Filipinos outside a medical supply shop in Manila that was raided by police for allegedly hoarding and overpricing the masks. Getty Images

A study has shown that 86% of people infected with Covid-19 could be walking around not knowing that they’re infected, thus causing the virus to spread even faster.

According to Journal Science, researchers used computer modeling to track infections before and after Wuhan’s travel ban. They looked at the situation in China and noted that six out of every seven cases were not reported before travel restrictions were implemented in the country.

These “stealth” cases are what fueled the pandemic the world is facing today, and there are still many out there who aren’t aware that they are infected and are infecting others unknowingly.


This is because these undocumented infections have no or mild symptoms, leading them to walk freely in public while posing a threat to others who could experience more severe symptoms.

People shop at a street market in Divisoria, Manila. (REUTERS)

“The majority of these infections are mild, with few symptoms at all,” Shaman, a co-author in the study said.

“People may not recognise it. Or they think they have a cold.”


“It will continue to present a major challenge to the containment of this outbreak going forward.”

Although this study was conducted by looking at data from China, it could also apply to the situation in the Philippines or anywhere in the world.

People wait outside a store to purchase protective masks in Manila on Jan. 31. Photographer: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images AsiaPac

This is why it’s important for us to stay home during this movement control order so that we don’t come into contact with a “stealth” case who could pass the virus to your elderly relatives.


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Avoid large crowds at all costs and wash your hands frequently. We can get through this together!

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This article first appeared on World of Buzz.

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