Lockdown saved millions by reducing bacterial infections: Study

NEW DELHI: A recent study led by University of Oxford has suggested that the chances of bacterial diseases like pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis were reduced due to the COVID-19 induced lockdowns. The study was co-authored by David Murdoch, Infectious Diseases Expert and Dean, University of Otago.

Most common diseases caused by the bacteria such as pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis are the major reasons for deaths worldwide, especially among children and older adults. These are also spread via air, like the novel coronavirus. According to reports, in 2016 itself, almost 336 million cases of lower respiratory invasive infections were found across the world, and around 2.4 million were said to be dead due to the illness. The study has found that all countries have experienced reduction in bacterial infections between January and May 2020. The study found that in comparison to the previous two years, around 6000 fewer cases were reported on an average in every country.

In case of streptococcus pneumonia, the infections were reduced by 68 per cent within four weeks of lockdown due to COVID-19, and by 82 per cent in eight weeks. The researchers have suggested vaccinating against these diseases as well with the release of lockdown restrictions. Angela Brugmman, co-author of the study and Professor, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, said that the results depict that lockdown measures reduce other respiratory diseases and they also impose heavy toll on the society. She added that public health measures should be focused against these bacterial diseases as well such as safe and effective vaccination which are available and are used by various countries.