Daniel P. Oran & Eric J. Topol –
IN RESPONSE:
In our view, Dr. Halperin does not fairly characterize the evidence of asymptomatic transmission presented by Lavezzo and colleagues concerning their research in Vo’, Italy. Lavezzo and colleagues state, “The presence of a significant number of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections raises questions about their ability to transmit the virus. To address this issue, we conducted an extensive contact tracing analysis of the 8 new infections.” After describing the various contacts of the infected persons, Lavezzo and colleagues conclude, “These results suggest that asymptomatic infections may play a key role in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.”
Read the full letter in Annals of Internal Medicine.
