Why is the coronavirus death rate higher in Horry County than most of South Carolina?
Horry County’s coronavirus death rate continues to outpace most of South Carolina and far exceeds the other densely populated areas of the state.
While experts say a multitude of factors impact the virus’ death rate, one factor is almost immediately mentioned — the population’s age.
In the Myrtle Beach area, there have been seven death from COVID-19 and 106 confirmed cases, according to the latest data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
That gives Horry County a 6.6 percent death rate when the number of dead is divided by total cases.
Compare that to Charleston County’s rate of .3 percent (one death in 313 cases), Richland County’s 2.4 percent rate (10 deaths in 417 cases), and Beaufort County’s rate of 2.7 (five deaths in 184 cases).
In fact, of South Carolina counties with 25 or more confirmed cases, only Florence County outpaces Horry County’s rate. Florence County has a 9.4 percent rate, with five deaths among 53 cases.
South Carolina’s overall death rate is 2.4 percent. Nationwide it’s 3.4 percent and worldwide it’s 6 percent.
So why is Horry County among the worst?
“Multiple factors can contribute to higher and lower death rates, including the age distribution in a county, the number of high-risk individuals within a population, access to health care and more,” DHEC officials said in answer to questions about the Horry County’s rate.
Those older than 65 years old and people with underlying health conditions have the highest risk to experience complications from COVID-19, DHEC officials said.
About 24 percent of Horry County’s population is older than 65 years old, according to the latest U.S. Census data. Statewide the figure is about 17 percent. Charleston and Richland counties both have less than 17 percent of their population older than 65. Beaufort County is at 27 percent.
University of South Carolina Director of the Rural and Minority Health Research Center Jan Eberth noted that Horry County residents are older than the South Carolina average.
She added the Myrtle Beach area also sees numerous people who travel to the Grand Strand from out of town and related service sector jobs. That travel has mostly stopped, but the area could be seeing the after-effects from weeks ago.
Those in the high-risk groups should take seriously the recommendation to reduce potential exposure to the virus by staying home, health officials said. They should also wash hands frequently, clean regularly touched surfaces and wear a homemade mask.
DHEC continues to work with local health care partners to help residents understand the importance of social distancing.
Officials said they expect ongoing fluctuation in the county rates.
Projections show that South Carolina is not expected to hit its peak number of cases until the end of April or early May. As a result, DHEC experts could not speculate whether Horry County’s rate will get better or turn more dire.
“We hope that if our communities as a whole take the necessary precautions, we can see the number of cases decline,” DHEC officials said.
