Influence
May 14, 2020

Regenstrief researcher leads in COVID-19 testing

An ongoing study led by Regenstrief research scientist and Indiana University’s Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI (FSPH) faculty member Nir Menachemi, PhD, MPH, has released preliminary population-level data on COVID-19’s spread through Indiana.

In a recent press conference alongside Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Dr. Menachemi discussed the early findings of the study. Among these findings, the study team determined that 2.8% of Hoosiers have been infected with COVID-19. They also determined that in Indiana, COVID-19 showed a mortality rate of 0.58%, and that 10 out of 11 cases of COVID-19 were not being captured by current screening methods.

“As valuable is our data has been, it is the next wave, planned for early June, that will be even more valuable,” said Dr. Menachemi. “We plan to test another statewide random sample in a few weeks to determine how much the virus has further spread in Indiana. This information will be critical for decision makers.”

The groundbreaking study, a partnership between FSPH and the Indiana State Department of Health, has so far tested 4,600 randomly selected individuals. This sampling has helped the study team evaluate the overall spread and severity of the disease.

“Data is key in guiding our response in the fight against COVID-19, and our partnership with Fairbanks School of Public Health researchers will provide high quality information to help shape our decision making,” Governor Holcomb said. “I want to encourage Hoosiers who are selected to participate to step forward and help us gather the critical information for this groundbreaking scientific study.”

Related News

Thankham Thyvalikakath

IU, Regenstrief researchers develop an app to enable the efficient integration of patient medical information into dental practices

From the IU Innovation and Commercialization Office Advancing IU innovation to benefit Indiana and the global community Most dental

Regenstrief research scientist receives honorary degree from Oakland University 

Regenstrief research scientist receives honorary degree from Oakland University 

Richard Frankel, PhD, research scientist with the Regenstrief Institute Center for Health Services, received an honorary degree from Oakland

Regenstrief research scientist named Klapper Family Scholar in Aging and Family Caregiving Research

Regenstrief Institute Research Scientist, Nicole Fowler, PhD, MHSA, recognized leader in geriatric research, has been named the Klapper Family

Implications of Increased Medicare Advantage Enrollment for Access to Kidney Transplant Waitlisting

Published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. Here is a link to the article. Regenstrief Institute authors: