Hypertension, diabetes, cardiac disease most common co-morbidities in SA coronavirus patients
The Department of Health has found that hypertension, diabetes and cardiac disease are among the most common co-morbidities associated with serious Covid-19 cases in the country.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize says the department has begun studying coronavirus deaths in the country to investigate emerging patterns and areas of high risks.
The research found that 58% of victims were male and 42% female.
It was also found that the median age of patients who died was 64.
"We have looked at the data for patients who have been hospitalised and found that consistent with evidence emerging worldwide, hypertension, diabetes and cardiac disease are the three most common co-morbidities associated with serious illness from Covid-19," says Mkhize.
Other co-morbidities that were seen amongst COVID-19 admitted patients were chronic pulmonary disease, asthma, chronic renal disease, malignancy, HIV, active and past tuberculosis.
"I would, therefore, like to urge our millions of South Africans who are over 63 years of age and those who live with these conditions, to take extra precaution as we ease the lockdown.
"I would also like to urge all South Africans to continue to stay at home as far as possible, only venturing out to perform essential tasks as we move through the stages of the gradual lifting of the lockdown."
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in South Africa is 6 336, while the death toll stands at 123.
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Africa's most industrialised nation was already teetering with low growth and high debts when the lockdown kicked in on March 27. On Wednesday S&P downgraded the country's credit rating further to junk.