Health officials in Ohio said new antibody testing shows the coronavirus has been in the state since January.
Data released by the Ohio Health Department reveal that six people in the state reported feeling ill as early as Jan. 7, contradicting the previously believed narrative that the virus didn’t show up until February, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
At least two of the patients traveled outside the state, but it is unknown whether that was a factor in contracting the infection.
Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton said Ohio will begin voluntary antibody testing next week, which will test at least 1,200 people, according to Fox 8 News.
“They are volunteering to help us learn more about this disease. Many of whom may not know they’ve already had it,” Acton said. “We’re very excited about this.”
Antibody testing across the country has revealed that the virus was in the United States earlier than previously thought and infected more people than previously thought.
Random sampling in Florida’s Miami-Dade County in late April showed that the number of infected people in the region could be at least 16 times higher than previously believed.
Similar testing in California’s Santa Clara County showed that the infection is 50 to 85 times more common than previously thought and that the fatality rate is 50 to 80 times lower.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a Monday press conference that 90% of the state’s economy is expected to open this week.
