#BREAKING - The epidemic/diffusion of the novel Coronavirus in Northern Italy, Lombardy shows a death rate NOT compatible with the original #COVID19 but more comparable with SARS. This indicates that the virus ravaging Northern Italy is deadlier than the original strain.

The death rate from the coronavirus in Lombardy is far higher than the death toll in other places. There are multiple theories for why the death rate is higher in Lombardy. Some theories are an old population & cases going underreported.

However, a mutation in the virus can be the reason for the high mortality rate. A mutated strain of #COVID19 has been found in Lombardy with higher virulence than the original #COVID19. The mutated strain is closer to SARS/MERS & this has made the virus more aggressive & lethal.

The mutated strain is calculated to be between 2-3 times more aggressive than the original #covid19. According to Salvatore Vicidomini, professor at Rome University, this is the reason for the high mortality rate in Northern Italy.
More info https://www.researchgate.net/post/The_novel_Coronavirus_in_N_Italy_Lombardia_COVID19_2019nCoV_SARSCoV2_shows_a_fatality_rate_compatible_with_SARS_Why2