Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antibody Status in Decedents Undergoing Forensic Postmortem Examination in Maryland, May 24 to June 30, 2020

Seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies was 10% among the subset of decedents undergoing forensic postmortem examination in June in Maryland. Decedents of motor vehicle crashes had similar seroprevalence compared with those with a natural death (including decedents with SARS-CoV-2 infection). Decedents of motor vehicle crashes may be a sentinel surveillance population.

Automated summary

The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among decedents undergoing forensic postmortem examination in Maryland was 10% in June. Decedents of motor vehicle crashes showed similar seroprevalence compared to those with a natural death, including individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting they may be a sentinel surveillance population.