Massachusetts study finds 1/3 of participants had already been infected with COVID-19, without symptoms
A Massachusetts study of 200 residents on a single street found that one third already had antibodies for the Wuhan flu and had never known they have been infected.
The Mass. General study took samples from 200 residents on the street in Chelsea, MA. Participants remained anonymous and provided a drop of blood to researchers, who were able to produce a result in ten minutes with a rapid test.
Sixty-four of the participants tested positive – a “sobering” result, according to Thomas Ambrosino, Chelsea’s city manager. “We’ve long thought that the reported numbers are vastly under-counting what the actual infection is,” Ambrosino told the Boston Globe.
The article, and the government officials quoted, all try to make this result terrifying and something to fear, but the truth is that it is most heartening and more wonderful news. It indicates, as did the California study reported on April 17, that the death rate for coronavirus is much lower than presently calculated because we have been under-estimating the total number of people infected.
Moreover, these individuals apparently experienced few if any symptoms after getting infected, suggesting once again that the disease is not a serious threat to the general population. In fact, it suggests again that the more people who can get infected, the fewer hosts will be available for the virus, and it will die out.
That these officials instead tried to install panic over this encouraging data tells us all that we need to know about these officials. They are lying thugs, aimed not at easing the crisis but in using it to bring power to government, at the expense of the general public.
The support of my readers through the years has given me the freedom and ability to analyze objectively the ongoing renaissance in space, as well as the cultural changes -- for good or ill -- that are happening across America. Four years ago, just before the 2020 election I wrote that Joe Biden's mental health was suspect. Only in this year has the propaganda mainstream media decided to recognize that basic fact.
Fourteen years ago I wrote that SLS and Orion were a bad ideas, a waste of money, would be years behind schedule, and better replaced by commercial private enterprise. Even today NASA and Congress refuse to recognize this reality.
In 2020 when the world panicked over COVID I wrote that the panic was unnecessary, that the virus was apparently simply a variation of the flu, that masks were not simply pointless but if worn incorrectly were a health threat, that the lockdowns were a disaster and did nothing to stop the spread of COVID. Only in the past year have some of our so-called experts in the health field have begun to recognize these facts.
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A Massachusetts study of 200 residents on a single street found that one third already had antibodies for the Wuhan flu and had never known they have been infected.
The Mass. General study took samples from 200 residents on the street in Chelsea, MA. Participants remained anonymous and provided a drop of blood to researchers, who were able to produce a result in ten minutes with a rapid test.
Sixty-four of the participants tested positive – a “sobering” result, according to Thomas Ambrosino, Chelsea’s city manager. “We’ve long thought that the reported numbers are vastly under-counting what the actual infection is,” Ambrosino told the Boston Globe.
The article, and the government officials quoted, all try to make this result terrifying and something to fear, but the truth is that it is most heartening and more wonderful news. It indicates, as did the California study reported on April 17, that the death rate for coronavirus is much lower than presently calculated because we have been under-estimating the total number of people infected.
Moreover, these individuals apparently experienced few if any symptoms after getting infected, suggesting once again that the disease is not a serious threat to the general population. In fact, it suggests again that the more people who can get infected, the fewer hosts will be available for the virus, and it will die out.
That these officials instead tried to install panic over this encouraging data tells us all that we need to know about these officials. They are lying thugs, aimed not at easing the crisis but in using it to bring power to government, at the expense of the general public.
The support of my readers through the years has given me the freedom and ability to analyze objectively the ongoing renaissance in space, as well as the cultural changes -- for good or ill -- that are happening across America. Four years ago, just before the 2020 election I wrote that Joe Biden's mental health was suspect. Only in this year has the propaganda mainstream media decided to recognize that basic fact.
Fourteen years ago I wrote that SLS and Orion were a bad ideas, a waste of money, would be years behind schedule, and better replaced by commercial private enterprise. Even today NASA and Congress refuse to recognize this reality.
In 2020 when the world panicked over COVID I wrote that the panic was unnecessary, that the virus was apparently simply a variation of the flu, that masks were not simply pointless but if worn incorrectly were a health threat, that the lockdowns were a disaster and did nothing to stop the spread of COVID. Only in the past year have some of our so-called experts in the health field have begun to recognize these facts.
Your help allows me to do this kind of intelligent analysis. I take no advertising or sponsors, so my reporting isn't influenced by donations by established space or drug companies. Instead, I rely entirely on donations and subscriptions from my readers, which gives me the freedom to write what I think, unencumbered by outside influences.
Please consider supporting my work here at Behind the Black.
You can support me either by giving a one-time contribution or a regular subscription. There are five ways of doing so:
1. Zelle: This is the only internet method that charges no fees. All you have to do is use the Zelle link at your internet bank and give my name and email address (zimmerman at nasw dot org). What you donate is what I get.
2. Patreon: Go to my website there and pick one of five monthly subscription amounts, or by making a one-time donation.
3. A Paypal Donation:
5. Donate by check, payable to Robert Zimmerman and mailed to
Behind The Black
c/o Robert Zimmerman
P.O.Box 1262
Cortaro, AZ 85652
You can also support me by buying one of my books, as noted in the boxes interspersed throughout the webpage or shown in the menu above. And if you buy the books through the ebookit links, I get a larger cut and I get it sooner.
In another study, they found a similar proportion in the homeless community in Boston.
https://www.boston25news.com/news/cdc-reviewing-stunning-universal-testing-results-boston-homeless-shelter/Z253TFBO6RG4HCUAARBO4YWO64/?fbclid=IwAR3kHxzcQ7J3FczuwUzD28qxiWNfidFEVemugNwcxRG90Zy-V7aiXupl2po
“Epidemiology turns into voodoo with a new death counting that brings Federal dollars.”
John Batchelor Show
Andrew McCarthy / Thad McCotter
4-17-20
https://audioboom.com/posts/7559102-epidemiology-turns-into-voodoo-with-a-new-death-counting-that-brings-federal-dollars-andrewcmcc
Dove a little deeper into the article. Fascinating stuff–reference the test they used:
“COVID-19 IgM/IgG Rapid Test”
https://www.biomedomics.com/products/infectious-disease/covid-19-rt/
“The test analyzes blood, serum or plasma samples for the presence of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies associated with the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). IgM provides the first line of defense during viral infections, followed by the generation of adaptive, high-affinity IgG responses for long-term immunity and immunological memory. The detection of COVID-19 IgM antibodies tends to indicate a recent exposure to COVID-19, and detection of COVID-19 IgG antibodies indicates a later stage of infection, so this combined antibody test could also provide information on the stage of the disease in patients.”
and…
“Although critically important, PCR tests are only positive during the brief window of acute infection, after which they become negative. And while serology tests are not as effective as PCR early in acute infection, they are able to detect COVID-19 antibodies for a prolonged period of time after disease resolution, which enables identification of prior infection.”
“Laboratories and healthcare providers must include this information in their patient test report as specified in FDA guidance:
•This test has not been reviewed by FDA
•Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in those who have been in contact with the virus. Follow-up testing with a molecular diagnostic should be considered to rule out infection in these individuals
•Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection or to inform infection status.
•Positive results may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.”
From the Boston Globe article:
The 200 participants generally appeared healthy, but about half told the doctors they had had at least one symptom of COVID-19 in the past four weeks.
. . .
“We’ve long thought that the reported numbers are vastly under-counting what the actual infection is,” said Ambrosino, who has called his city the epicenter of the crisis in Massachusetts. “Those reported numbers are based on positive COVID-19 tests, and we’re all aware that a very, very small percentage of people in Chelsea and everywhere are getting COVID-19 tests.”
. . .
At least 39 residents have died from the virus, and 712 had tested positive as of Tuesday, a rate of about 1,900 cases per 100,000 residents, or almost 2 percent.
. . .
Public health experts already knew Chelsea had the state’s highest rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases and that the actual rate was probably higher. At least 39 residents have died from the virus, and 712 had tested positive as of Tuesday, a rate of about 1,900 cases per 100,000 residents, or almost 2 percent.
. . .
excluded anyone who had tested positive for the virus in the standard nasal swab test
. . .
Chelsea covers only about two square miles, across the Mystic River from Boston. For generations, it has attracted new immigrants, and about 65 percent of its residents are Latino. Many live in three-decker houses, Ambrosino said, where it’s hard for people to isolate themselves. Many work in the hospitality industry and health-related fields, where exposure to the virus is greater. And a lot of them must go to work during the pandemic.
The doctors used a diagnostic device made by BioMedomics, of Morrisville, N.C., to analyze drops of blood. It resembled an over-the-counter pregnancy test and generated results on the street in about 10 minutes. Although the test hasn’t won the approval of the Food and Drug Administration, Iafrate, the principal investigator, said Mass. General determined it’s reliable.
. . .
Researchers said the test results, which had yet to be shared with state officials late Friday, couldn’t necessarily be extrapolated for the city’s roughly 40,000 residents.
And from Wayne (thanks):
•Positive results may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.”
So 50% were symptomatic and the more serious cases that had warranted earlier antigen testing had been excluded, the participants lived in the same area of high density housing. To me that looks like the sampling method appears to have been to select a location that they thought likely to be a cluster.
Then they used an antibody test that gives positive results that may be due to the subject having antibodies to strains of the common cold.
This was not a study designed to be representative of the wider community, but it does show that about half of those infected are symptomatic (unless many had just had the flu).
Joe: Thank you! I will post this on the main page.
Thank you Wayne. That last point puts the entire story in a different light. Positive results may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.
HKU1 isn’t so common, but NL63 is more prevalent, and the coronaviruses OC43 & 229E are responsible for 15% of common colds.
Given that limitation, what use does this test even have in the context of SARS-COV-2 epidemiology?
If the antibodies found could be from earlier coronaviruses, my question then is this: Could those same antibodies provide some protection from the Wuhan flu as well?
If so, it means the general population is even more resistant to COVID-19 than previously believed.
I do not know this however, and would be curious to hear from those with some experience in this field.
“When an antigen is introduced into the body for the first time, large quantities of IgM are produced, while the B cells are producing the highly specific IgG more slowly. Once IgG is produced in quantity, the IgG takes on a greater role in the removal of antigens from the body, due to its ability to bind to the antigen molecules more tightly. Through the course of an infection, a rapid spike of circulating IgM can be seen in the bloodstream, followed by a decrease of IgM as the amount of IgG increases. Medical personnel can identify the course and duration of an infection by measuring the ratio of IgM to IgG in the bloodstream. A ratio high in IgM indicates that an infection is in its early stages, while a ratio high in IgG indicates that the infection is in its later stage.”
“Immunoglobulins bind specifically to one or a few closely related antigens. Each immunoglobulin actually binds to a specific antigenic determinant. Antigen binding by antibodies is the primary function of antibodies and can result in protection of the host. The valency of antibody refers to the number of antigenic determinants that an individual antibody molecule can bind. **The valency of all antibodies is at least two and in some instances more.**”
wayne: I was hoping you might be able to address my question. However, can you put this in plain English?
Antibodies have the ability to bind to two or more closely related antigens. The valency is the number of related antigens, for most antibodies the valency is 2.
I see no reason to think that the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 is subject to binding with the same antibodies that bind to long existing human antigen coronaviruses.
Mr. Z.,
totally out of my bailiwick, and not pretending to be well versed on virology, and just have not spent a whole lot of time on the mechanic’s.
{and one can, cherry-pick factoids, ’till the proverbial Spherical cows come home}
Given that dozens of coronavirus-variants already exist, I personally would be optimistic. But certainly can’t state anything with
What we are lacking at this point– the “titer” ranges of circulating antibodies which confer future immunity. That is– the measure of numbers of antibodies present.
If you didn’t see these…
Uncommon Knowledge interviews with Dr Jay Bhattacharya on anti-body testing
This is the guy who did the tests in Santa Clara and has does several more in LA and among MLB workers in those cities… making it more geographically significant. Results of these to follow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UO3Wd5urg0
Or
https://uncommonknowledgehoover.podbean.com/e/jay-bhatttacharaya/
https://www.hoover.org/research/fight-against-covid-19-update-dr-jay-bhattacharya-0
The good dr talks to the results and efficacy of these tests in the interview. But one point he makes is that we need to consider the cost benefit in our decisions
(He’s has a PhD in economics too).
There are 7 Corona viruses that affect man: SARS, MERS our current COVID-19 and 4 common colds that present 30% of colds (Dr Henry Miller on JB). Anti-body tests need to be specific/selective to sort through the various antibodies that may already be present. Other corona viruses. Mentioned by Rose,, Wayne and Andrew above too. I’m not sure what named Corona viruses are common cold but 15% for OC43 and 229E from Rose – 15% for the other 2?
So we could be more resistant than thought. – don’t know but could be.
Is this COVID-19 much more infectious than before? These tests indicate that. But is the anti-body test specific/selective enough? Dr B above thinks these tests are good enough to influence the models and how leaders are thinking about what to do.
More and better anti-body testing needs done.
As Dr B says.. this may be as deadly as the flu (1/10 current thinking of SARS CoV2) … And we killed the economy.
Other thinking:
COVID-19 does not kill with the effectiveness of what we would think of with bio-weapons. But it does wreak havoc on a populous, the economy and on military readiness as well as bring about strong political distress.
This could be an entirely new kind of warfare weapon that along with other weapons – not necessarily kinetic ones but cyber, disinformation, infrastructure attack, food issues, resources issues…etc – that could really change the face of the global scene.
If you didn’t see these – this is the guy who did the Santa Clara tests:
https://uncommonknowledgehoover.podbean.com/e/jay-bhatttacharaya/
And a recent follow up with his results and the news of more testing to be analyzed:
https://www.hoover.org/research/fight-against-covid-19-update-dr-jay-bhattacharya-0
Sorry for the repeat – comments didn’t seem to post.
Posts are there and then gone?
Chris: Don’t post twice. If you have more than one url in a comment it requires my approval. I’ll get to it.
THE VIRUS: MEN, WOMEN, BLACK, WHITE
This particular video by Dr. John Campbell is a worthwhile informative view.
https://youtu.be/9ZfbtwB9Sb8 33 min.
He goes over several interesting variables that may have an effect on who and why they may be in a better position to weather and survive this particular Covid 19 virus in general, and what might be able to be done to improve your health in general related to encountering any virus.
One of the more interesting mitigating factors: Because having a lighter skin color the white among us produce more vitamin D which is a function of exposure to sun shine. White skin by design absorbs more sun shine and produces more vitamin D over time of exposure, and dark or black skin absorbs less sunshine over time of exposure and therefore produces less vitamin D. Vitamin D being essential in our immune system properly functioning and keeping us healthy.
So darker or black skin as a result produces vitamin D more slowly in Northern climates. The evolutionary theory being that as humans moved into Northern climates where the sun shines less, and out of equatorial Africa where the sun shines intensely more, skin color lightened in order to produce more vitamin D per time of exposure. And that theoretically is why there is the difference in skin color in the world. Very interesting.
He also goes into other mitigating factors: Age, obesity, smoking, socioeconomics, life style, general health, and whether being a male or a female has an effect. Females so far seem to fair significantly better than males when stricken with Covid 19. And again, being dark or black skinned and possibly having a lowered vitamin D level, along with any of the other associated mitigating factors appears to put you more at risk.
Cotour – interesting video
Sunnier California vs gloomier NY too? The latitudes he mentions?
The problem is that in the Santa Clara study they took 3300 to get a 1.5% positive test rate, which is 50 positive tests. But if the tests were giving errors of 1.5% of true negatives as test positives and 1.5% true positives as test negatives, when the true rate were actually 0.1% positives, what would those error rates cause the final test results to be?
Of the 99.9% of true negatives 1.5% would read as positives, so 1.5% of 99.9% = 1.4985% of total tests would show as false positives, and of the 0.1% true positives 1.5% would read as negatives, so 1.5% of 0.1% = 0.0015% of total tests would show as false negatives. The sum of these would be 1.497% of total tests returning as positives.
That is, with those errors, a 0.1% true positive rate would show up as a study result of 1.497% positives.
They mention efforts to ascertain the accuracy of the tests, but as described those efforts would be inadequate, with the samples being too small.
With much higher rates of true positives the effects of the false results becomes diluted, so the NY trials, where the levels of infection are obviously higher will be more accurate if they are getting false test readings
Another issue with the Santa Clara study is this:
“In early April, Stanford University researchers conducted an antibody test of 3,300 residents in the county that were recruited through targeted Facebook ads.”
That’s not a good basis for a scientific study, there’s likely to be self selection, perhaps with people who think they might have had the virus being more likely to reply than those who have no reason to think they’ve had it.
The coronavirus was being worked on for years in labs in the United States, also in Winnipeg Canada. The patents exist, Chinese stole the “gain of function” virus here and took it to the WHO funded lab in Wuhan China. The arest is public record.
The virus that was released, tested identical to the one in the patent. This is the one they been working on, developing vaccine possibilities. Also patented.
Unproven vaccines must be tested, but there is no double blind study’s on diseases that usually lasts one year. It’s exempted anyway because it’s not considered medication.
There is strong evidence that much the positive test for the antibodies is from the vaccine, in the flu shot, perhaps for the last two years. Not from exposure to the coronavirus.
This can be confirmed by testing those who had the mandatory flu shots in California (and other states) to the people who have not received flu shots.
Is it illegal to test on the public? No it is not, there are laws protecting the drug companies… Particularly lately, laws passed allow them to try experimental drugs to prevent death, the line is blurry what you are conceding to. Desperate people do desperate things.
They (you, the government) created the vaccine injury court to relieve vaccine companies from all liability, and the justice department handles injury claims by the justice department??? All penalty rewards are sealed. That’s right, public records are not public.
Part of the agreement that this would make this happen was a agency to oversee the safety and efficacy of the manufactured vaccines by an oversight committee. They were to post regular reports at least yearly.
“There has never been a report filed ever since the agreement was made” 30+ Years ago. There is absolutely no oversight of the industry.
No wonder more people die from immunization shots then die from the actual diseases.
Obviously, we’re being lied to and the entire world is shut down for a reset. What emerges we will no longer recognize as familiar lines are blurred.
When we have an enemy to fight, we can gather together and prepare and hunker down. This is not like it was in World War II, it’s hard to unify against an “invisible” enemy.
I suppose, that is the point and why they’re getting away with this.
To make sure those responsible are not held accountable, the Internet (Google, Facebook etc. are making certain subjects taboo. (like criticisms of the WHO) Expect this to expand to the point that no opposition will be tolerated. Censorship will be strictly enforced, enjoy the Internet in it’s final moments.
By executive order, resistance is futile.
Star Trek –
We Have Destroyed Ourselves
(Return of the Archons) {Landu}
https://youtu.be/wJd52Hc3a4o
1:11