July 23, 2020

Estimated County-Level Prevalence of Selected Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Increased Risk for Severe COVID-19 Illness — United States, 2018

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

• Based on data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, the median county prevalence of any of five underlying medical conditions (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and obesity) that are associated with increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease was 47% across 3,142 U.S. counties. While the total number of those with co-morbidities follows the overall population distribution, the prevalence of co-morbidities is higher in the southeastern United States and in more rural counties. County-level maps are provided to support local decision-makers in identifying areas at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness. 

Razzaghi et al. (July 24, 2020). Estimated County-Level Prevalence of Selected Underlying Medical Conditions Associated with Increased Risk for Severe COVID-19 Illness — United States, 2018. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2020;69:945–950. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6929a1