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This fact brief was originally published as an experiment to test the concepts behind fact briefs.
Readers should be aware that while there is still a lot of useful information in fact briefs like this one, not all of them reflect Gigafact's current methods and standards for fact briefs. If you come across any that you feel are out of date, don't hesitate to contact us at support@gigafact.org.
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FACT BRIEF

Are coronavirus cases without symptoms real?

By Ali Swenson
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YES

The virus has been found in people who never developed symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers estimate that at least a third of people who become infected with the coronavirus never experience symptoms. People infected with COVID-19 can also spread the virus before they develop symptoms, experts say.

In fact, asymptomatic COVID-19 infections are a key feature of the virus, according to the CDC and several experts consulted by The Associated Press.

“We know that asymptomatic infections occur based on at least two facts,” said Jade Fulce, public affairs specialist at the CDC. First, she said, the “virus has been isolated by culture from persons who have tested positive but never develop symptoms.” Second, she said, “there are well documented cases of infected persons who are asymptomatic who have transmitted infection.”

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
AP News Asymptomatic COVID-19 infections do occur
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
The Associated Press
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business.
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About fact briefs published on Gigafact
Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.