Thread by @nytimes

As the coronavirus spreads to more parts of the U.S., it could reach communities with especially vulnerable populations — ones that have a high rate of underlying health conditions.

Here’s where the virus could exact a heavy toll. nyti.ms/3bJ6mN8

A health-risk index was created for us by @policymap, a company that analyzes local health data.

This map shows counties with high rates of diabetes, obesity and other conditions that increase residents’ risk of becoming severely ill if they are infected with the coronavirus.

Health experts worry that areas that have not yet seen a heavy coronavirus outbreak may not be adequately prepared for new waves of cases, especially areas with high rates of existing health conditions. nyti.ms/2X7shbA

Appalachia could see a particularly heavy toll if large outbreaks sweep through there. West Virginia is of significant concern — it has one of the most medically vulnerable populations in the U.S. nyti.ms/2X7shbA

Southern states also have many people at above-average risk. In many counties in Alabama, for instance, an estimated 40% of adults are living with obesity. nyti.ms/2X7shbA

More than half of American adults have at least one condition that increases their risk of serious illness if infected with the coronavirus.

This table shows which counties are most at risk. You can search for your own county here: nyti.ms/2X7shbA

“If you’re an official or city planner or hospital administrator, you want to know what to expect when the disease hits,” said Dr. Leora Horwitz, an author of a study that evaluated underlying conditions among virus patients.
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