Science

CDC COVID-19 Response Team:
Nancy Chow, CDC; Katherine Fleming-Dutra, CDC; Ryan Gierke, CDC; Aron Hall, CDC; Michelle Hughes, CDC; Tamara Pilishvili, CDC; Matthew Ritchey, CDC; Katherine Roguski, CDC; Tami Skoff, CDC; Emily Ussery, CDC

What is already known about this topic?
Published reports from China and Italy suggest that risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease include underlying health conditions, but data describing underlying health conditions among U.S. COVID-19 patients have not yet been reported.
What is added by this report?
Based on preliminary U.S. data, persons with underlying health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular disease, appear to be at higher risk for severe COVID-19–associated disease than persons without these conditions.
What are the implications for public health practice?
Strategies to protect all persons and especially those with underlying health conditions, including social distancing and handwashing, should be implemented by all communities and all persons to help slow the spread of COVID-19.