CORONAVIRUS (COVID19)RISK GROUPS:SCRUTINIZING THE DEATH CASES REPORTED IN SOUTH KOREA

The outbreak of COVID19 has led to a global health and economic crisis. Although no approved treatment exists to date, vaccine prototypes, antiviral medication, preventive measures, andtreatment strategies are studied by scientists and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. The objective of this paper is to examine the COVID19 death cases in South Korea in order to identify the distinct features of the deceased, such as sex, age, underlying medical conditions, which can be targeted when searching for a COVID19 treatment strategy.

Data regarding sex, age, and underlying conditions of the deceased and current cases was obtained from South Korea’s Centers for Disease Control and the Korean Statistical Information Service (data retrieved on May 21, 2020). The data were examined to identify any trends between the parameters using direct statistical analysis. Personal variables of COVID19 patients were studied, such as their sex, age, and preexisting health conditions. The data were analyzed in termsof possible factors leading to COVID19 complications and resulting in patients' deaths.

As of May 21, 2020, 11142 confirmed cases and 264 deaths were reported in South Korea. Sex has not had an impact on the death rate, but it directly correlates with age. No deaths were reported for cases of individuals under 30 years old, and only five deaths were reported between the ages of 30 and 50. Additionally, 98.5 % of victims suffered from an underlying condition. The primary underlying condition in deceased cases was related to circulatory system disorders. The results of the statistical analysis were further used to devise a classification of COVID19 risk factors. It consists of three categories ranging from low to high-risk levels.

Treatment targeted at patients over 60 years old and with circulatory system disorders can reduce the death rate of COVID19 infected patients in South Korea.