Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-Specific Antibodies among Quarantined Close Contacts of COVID-19 Patients, Faroe Islands, 2020

Close contacts of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients are at high risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies among quarantined close contacts of COVID-19 patients in the Faroe Islands. We invited quarantined close contacts of COVID-19 index patients identified during March 3-April 22, 2020, to participate in this study; 584 (81%) contacts consented and underwent serologic testing. Among the 584 participants, 32 (5.5%) were seropositive for total antibody against SARS-CoV-2. Household and young or elderly contacts had higher risk for seropositivity than other contacts-We found a secondary attack rate of 19.2%. Seroprevalence among close contacts was almost 10-fold higher than among the general population of the Faroe Islands. Regularly testing household close contacts of COVID-19 patients might help track the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Automated summary

Close contacts of COVID-19 patients have a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with 5.5% testing positive for total antibody against SARS-CoV-2. Household and young or elderly contacts are at higher risk, with a secondary attack rate of 19.2%. Seroprevalence among close contacts is almost 10 times higher than the general population of the Faroe Islands. Regularly testing these contacts may help in tracking SARS-CoV-2 transmission.