Hypertension and Diabetes are Most Common Underlying Health Conditions in COVID-19 Deaths

57 New Deaths and 1,603 New Cases of Confirmed COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

To date, The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has identified 227,346 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County, and a total of 5,446 deaths.

Ninety-two percent of the people who died from COVID-19 had underlying health conditions. Hypertension and diabetes are the most common underlying health conditions among people who died from COVID-19; neurologic conditions and cardiovascular disease is also common. Nearly 3,000 people had hypertension, more than 2,000 people had diabetes, 1,300 people had neurologic conditions, and 1,300 people had cardiovascular disease.  Please note, each person may have multiple conditions. Although people over 65 years old make up the largest portion of people who died with underlying health conditions, younger people with underlying health conditions become seriously ill and die from the virus as well.  Twenty-four percent or 1,145 number of people who died with underlying health conditions were between the ages of 41 and 64 years old, and 3% or 151 people, were between the ages of 18 and 40 years old.

Today, Public Health has confirmed 57 new deaths and 1,603 new cases of COVID-19.

Backlog cases from the state electronic lab report (ELR) are still anticipated. Data sources that track other key indicators, including hospitalizations and deaths, are not affected by this reporting issue.

Of the 57 new deaths reported today, 20 people that passed away (excluding Long Beach and Pasadena) were over the age of 80 years old, 19 people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79 years old, 11 people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64 years old, and three people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49 years old. Forty-five people had underlying health conditions including 18 people over the age of 80 years old, 16 people between the ages of 65 and 79 years old, nine people between the ages of 50 and 64 years old, and three people between the ages of 30 and 49 years old. Four death were reported by the City of Long Beach.

Of those who died, information about race and ethnicity is available for 5,123 people (99 percent of the cases reported by Public Health); 50% of deaths occurred among Latino/Latinx residents, 24% among White residents, 15% among Asian residents, 10% among African American/Black residents, less than 1% among Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander residents and 1% among residents identifying with other races. Upon further investigation, 84 cases and three deaths reported earlier were not LA County residents.

There are 1,378 confirmed cases currently hospitalized and 31% of these people are confirmed cases in the ICU.  The average length of stay for people who are hospitalized for COVID-19 has shown steady decline. In early May, the average length of stay was a little over 10 days. In late July, the average length of stay had decreased to a little over 5 days. This may reflect improvements in treatment and a shift in the age distribution of hospitalized patients, with an increase in younger individuals.

Testing results are available for more than 2,136,000 individuals with 10% of all people testing positive.

“To the families that are experiencing the sorrow of losing a loved one to COVID-19,  I extend my deepest sympathies and wishes for peace,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “I’m sure we all know many people with, and we ourselves may have common health conditions that can contribute to more serious illness from COVID-19.  These include people with obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.  It is important to remember that many people with underlying health conditions go to work, are out shopping for groceries, and enjoy all our beautiful recreational spaces. We can all help protect them from becoming infected by wearing cloth face coverings, distancing, and isolating and quarantining when needed.  These actions protect all others, including people who are at increased risk – these actions save lives.”

Public Health surveyed 341 skilled nursing facilities in the County on their compliance with mandated COVID-19 testing and on COVID-19 cases and outbreaks.  All facilities responded.  From August 2 through August 8, over 13,000 nursing home residents were tested and 1.7%  tested positive for COVID-19. More than 22,000 staff were tested and 1.1% tested positive for COVID-19.  Out of the 341 facilities, 69% were classified as having an outbreak, and 79% of these did not report any additional cases. Thirty-one percent of the facilities were classified as not having an outbreak, and 93% of these did not report any additional cases. Public Health is seeing a steady decline in COVID-19 deaths in skilled nursing facilities. In mid-May, deaths in skilled nursing facilities peaked at an average of 27 deaths per day.  On August 11, the average number of daily deaths was nine.

Public health continues tracking the number of positive cases and deaths among healthcare workers related to the COVID-19 pandemic response. There have been a total 82 deaths and a total of positive 13,120 cases among healthcare workers and first responders in Los Angeles County. Nurses continue to account for the majority of positive cases at 37%.  Over two-thirds of cases were among women (68%), nearly half of the healthcare workers are of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin (48%), and over half are between 18 and 40 years old (55%).

Given past ELR delays, the department urges any person with a positive lab result to call 1-833-540-0473 to connect with a public health specialist who can provide information about services and support. Residents who do not have COVID-19 should continue to call 211 for resources or more information.

The Reopening Protocols, COVID-19 Surveillance Interactive Dashboard, Roadmap to Recovery, Recovery Dashboard, and additional things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website, www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

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