Leflore County’s death toll from COVID-19 now stands at 22, as a man in his 40s succumbed to the respiratory disease.
The patient, who died Wednesday at Greenwood Leflore Hospital, had underlying health problems, according to Christine Hemphill, a hospital spokeswoman.
He was African American, as have been the previous 21 to die in the county.
Leflore County has a black population of 75%, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimate, so it is not surprising that African Americans would account for the majority of cases and deaths in the county. The actual numbers, however, are disproportionately large.
Besides accounting for 100% of the deaths, African Americans also represent 87% of the confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county. Half of those who have died were residents of nursing homes, which have been particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.
Statewide, the racial disparities are about as distinct, with African Americans accounting for 54% of the cases and deaths. Mississippi’s black population is 38%.
Health experts have said the gap, which is occurring nationwide, reflects the large number of African Americans who have underlying health conditions — such as heart disease or diabetes — or who have less access to medical care.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
The Mississippi State Department of Health, in Thursday’s update, reported 393 new cases of COVID-19 and 15 new deaths statewide.
As of Thursday morning, Greenwood Leflore Hospital was treating eight patients with the virus at its COVID-19 unit, according to Hemphill. None were on ventilators.
