The Chinese coronavirus continues to take lives:
There are more than 1,000 confirmed cases of infection, and at least 41 people have died. A total of 8,420 people are reported to be under observation. [WaPo]
But, in light of my mention of the operationality of the Spanish Flu, aka the tragically deadly influenza outbreak of 1918 which primarily killed young, healthy people, this is worrisome:
A young, previously healthy man died in Wuhan, raising concerns about the deadliness of the virus. Until now, the vast majority of victims have been older than 60 with preexisting conditions.
Still,
Hubei province announced 15 additional deaths in Wuhan attributable to the virus. There were also 180 new cases across the province. All patients were being kept in isolation, and people they had come into close contact with were being monitored.
All of the most recent people who died were at least 55 years old. As with the previous deaths, most of the victims had a history of serious illnesses.
Although being more than 55 myself, I have mixed feelings.
Europe has its first cases, to no one’s surprise, Chinese officials are getting criticized, and all that sort of thing.
