Italy will soon pass the 100,000 Covid-19 coronavirus case mark. However, the epidemic affects the whole territory and especially Lombardy, the main focus of infection. However, it seems that a small village in the most affected region of the country has completely escaped the infection! This exception logically intrigues the authorities wishing to obtain answers.
As of the evening of March 29, 2020, Italy had 97,689 confirmed cases Covid-19 coronavirus for 10,779 deaths . However, Lombardy, considered the epicenter of the epidemic, naturally has the highest number of cases and deaths. However, as the Italian press agency ANSA explains, a small village in the region is resisting:Ferrera Erbognone.
The fact is that none of the 1,000 inhabitants of Ferrera Erbognone have been infected with Covid-19. Moreover, this is all the more surprising since the average age of this village is almost 60 years old ! Logically, this story greatly intrigues the Italian authorities wishing to find answers to their questions. Thus, an investigation will soon be conducted by the Mondino Institute of Pavia to find out more.
During this investigation, blood tests will be performed on most of the inhabitants of the village. The goal? Identify and quantify people who are Covid-19 positive but asymptomatic. Researchers want to be able to evaluate the number of antibodies developed by these people on the basis of extensive subsequent studies. The hope lies in the detection of these antibodies, which could, in time, allow the development of a solution to the pandemic in Italy and in the world. Globally, the balance sheet reports more than 723,000 cases for approximately 34,000 deaths and affects an overwhelming majority of countries.
On the other hand, the Italian government wants to be cautious and does not want to give false hope to the population. Indeed, it could also be that the situation of this village is simply "accidental". It will still be necessary to wait about two months before having the end word of this story. At that time, everyone will know if this one generated justified hopes or not.
Recall in passing the launch of the European clinical trial Discovery, involving several countries including France. Patients will be divided into six groups , the first of which will concern only the symptoms (placebo). The other groups will test several remedies such as Kaletra (anti-HIV drug), interferon beta (modulation of the immune response), Remdesivir (anti-Ebola) and chloroquine (antimalarial).
