Minorities, elderly represent higher rates of COVID-19 infections, deaths

Higher rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths among suburban minority communities and the elderly population is concerning health officials.

In DuPage County, home to communities hardest-hit by the pandemic, Latinos comprise 27.5% of confirmed cases and 14.5% of the county's population. African Americans make up 5.4% of confirmed cases and 5.3% of the population. Asians represent 6.4% of cases and 12.6% of the population, and whites account for 27.3% of confirmed cases and 79.7% of the population.

Mortality rates per 100,000 population are: African Americans, 47.2 deaths, whites, 29.4, Latinos, 19.8, and Asians, 16.3.

Nursing homes

Nursing home deaths represent 49% -- 1,975 -- of Illinois' 4,058 COVID-19 fatalities as of Friday. DuPage County had 1,475 confirmed cases in nursing homes and 245 deaths, Illinois Department of Public Health data shows.

"Most of our outbreaks are occurring in long-term care facilities," said Karen Ayala, DuPage County Health Department executive director.