Healthline: Controversial studies find COVID-19 may be far more widespread than previously known

UC expert says lack of testing could be a factor

Healthline interviewed Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum of the UC Division of Infectious Diseases for a news story on two studies in California finding that COVID-19 may be much more widespread than previously thought.

Dr. Fichtenbaum and Jassiel HIV study in lab.

Dr. Carl Fichtenbaum of the UC Division of Infectious Diseases. Photo/Colleen Kelley/UC Creative + Brand

Fichtenbaum said one of the reasons for the discrepancy was a lack of testing. 

“Because testing for the virus is not widely available due to lack of supplies, reagents, and machines, it’s not surprising that a sero-epidemiologic survey would find more individuals with infection,” Fichtenbaum said.

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Find the latest details related to coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, and follow UC's latest information with regard to the virus.

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