Data recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have raised questions about causes of death among those who contract COVID-19. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine says the fact that the vast majority of people who died of COVID-19 had an underlying condition - such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease - should not be surprising. The governor is talking about the statistic known as "comorbidity" after drawing new attention and misunderstanding. Ohio Public Radio's Andy Chow reports.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest report showed about 94% of COVID-19 deaths included people with a preexisting conditions.
This led to misinformation on social media stating that only 6% of COVID-19 deaths were actually because of the coronavirus. But that’s just the number who died who didn’t have other underlying health issues.
Governor Mike DeWine says it doesn't change the severity of the virus.
"That should not surprise any of us that people have other medical problems and if they have another medical problem that problem will get listed."
DeWine adds that most deaths are in older age brackets. And up to half of the non-elderly population also have pre-existing conditions.
The CDC report can be found here.
