27/03/2020
By -- Dr . Hitendra Dahiwadkar. Neurosurgeon. Friday. 27 th March 2020. 8 am.
I was reading some news and map yesterday about countries affected by Covid 19 and Maleria. A thought came to mind. It will be interesting to know the Covid 19 infected population from South Asia ( Bharat, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Manmyar, Shrilanka) and Africa origin in developed world ( currently most affected Italy, France, Spain, UK, USA).
It will be guideline for others.
Because a singer came from London to Bharat. She was infected by same virulent strain as others in London. She came into contact of many in Lucknow, Delhi. Subsequently those people also came into contact of hundreds. But all those are not severely affected.
( Dr. Hitendra Dahiwadkar. Neurosurgeon.)
Singapore. Developed country. Just now passed through this Covid 19 epidemic. It was the same strain from China. But Singapore was mildly affected. That too with lax lockdown.
( Dr. Hitendra Dahiwadkar. Neurosurgeon. )
If population from South Asia origin and African origin are equally affected in Europe, UK and USA. Then it is the weather / climate which is protecting Us.
If this population is mildly affected or not affected then it could be herd immunity or genetic changes, which we have developed over thousand years due to repeated infection of Maleria. This immunity is protecting Us.
If there is difference in affected population between South Asia and Africa, then additional chronic immunity against TB is also maybe playing the role. We don't know yet.
( Dr. Hitendra Dahiwadkar. Neurosurgeon)
It is too early to find out these trends. But it is possible in developed countries. They have very good networks between hospitals across the country, very good data processing softwares. Sufficient sample size is already present. So someone should guide us about the trend.
( Dr. Hitendra Dahiwadkar. Neurosurgeon).
It is important for our country. If the Covid 19 is not causing that much Severe infection in Bharat with the same virulent strain. Maybe due to weather or immunity or some other reason. Then this much lockdown is not necessary. It's causing too much economic loss to country. Because I see it's not a actual lockdown as well. People are queueing for groceries and vegetables and etc. People moving on two wheelers. No masks. It's impossible to maintain distance of one or two meters in all slum areas. Because their houses are of that sizes. Really dense population. Some communities are not believing in the epidemic.
So question comes to mind. Is this lockdown necessary in our country? Is it really helping? Is our population at equal risk as Europe and USA? Why copy cat , knee jerk reaction?
The above study of population distribution of Covid 19 infected in Europe, UK and USA may guide us in answering these questions.
( Dr. Hitendra Dahiwadkar. Neurosurgeon)
Friday. 27 th March. Morning 8 am.
