Why Some Communities May Be Especially Vulnerable to COVID-19

Certain populations have experienced higher mortality rates from the disease compared to others.

COVID-19 was initially described as the great equalizer, affecting people across all walks of life. But as the virus spread across the United States, disparities began to emerge. Early data revealed that certain communities were experiencing significantly higher mortality rates than others, highlighting existing social and economic challenges.

The data remain incomplete, with only some states and counties breaking down COVID-19 cases and outcomes by demographic groups. But even without full nationwide data, the disparities are clear. For example, according to an April 9 report from the Associated Press, a subset of 3,300 out of 13,000 reported deaths showed that one group accounted for 42 percent of those fatalities. These disparities appeared especially pronounced in some Southern states, where certain populations represented more than 65 percent of reported deaths.

Other regions are seeing disparities as well. For instance, in Illinois, where the bulk of infections are in the Chicago area, 28 percent of the 16,422 confirmed cases as of April 9 were African-Americans, but African-Americans accounted for nearly 43 percent of the state’s 528 deaths. 

READ MORE (sciencenews.org)