The number of COVID-19 infections is likely ten times higher than the reported numbers, which could put the number of cases in the U.S. at 23 million, according to CDC Director Robert Redfield, MD.
“Our best estimate right now is that for every case that was reported, there actually were 10 other infections,” Redfield said on Thursday while talking to reporters.
So far, the U.S. has reported more than 2.4 million cases as of June 26, according to data from Johns Hopkins.
The statement from Redfield mirrors other studies that find the number of COVID-19 cases is likely much higher than reported. One recent study revealed there were likely 8.7 million new cases of COVID-19 over a three-week period in March.
A big part of the problem is asymptomatic cases of the virus, particularly as younger patients without symptoms weren’t being tested in the early days of the pandemic, Redfield explained. The director also stressed the importance of social distancing, good hand hygiene and other preventive measures to reduce the spread of the virus.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."