This past week, coronavirus deaths in Italy spiked 150%, surpassing 3,400. With more than 41,000 cases of COVID-19 affecting the country’s citizens, the Italian government is considering extending the nationwide lockdown through April. Researchers are hoping to uncover why Italy’s death rate is higher compared to other countries, and according to a study conducted by the country’s national health authority, the coronavirus may not be the only factor in the deaths. Researchers say more than 99% of Italy’s coronavirus deaths were patients who had previous underlying medical conditions.
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After examining medical records of around 18% of coronavirus deaths in Italy, researchers found that only 0.8% — three virus victims — had no previous pathology. The study showed that in nearly half of the fatalities, the victims suffered from at least three illnesses, and in about one-fourth of the victims, there were either one or two previously diagnosed conditions.
Of the 1,200 patient medical records studied, more than 75% had high blood pressure, about one-third suffered from heart disease and around 35% had diabetes. As of March 17, the average age of coronavirus deaths in Italy was 79.5, and all of Italy’s coronavirus victims under 40 had been males with previously existing medical conditions.
Data released this week showed a possible slowdown in cases, however, another study suggested that the country could be severely underestimating the number of coronavirus cases. Researchers pointed out that due to only testing patients presenting with symptoms, the actual number could be quite higher.