Actually "science" demands proof and is always subject to scrutiny to disprove claims.
This is Science-Fiction. (Fake News®)
The scientific findings show that it is most deadly to male Chinese smokers (in China).
Or just a test to see what level of Lung problems are required for this "flu" to kill you. I do not see this as DNA / genetic related issue. Something similar can be tested for Russian/Chines alcoholics - Problem with attacking the Liver is it simply takes longer to kill you.
If it demands proof how has evolution lasted for 150 years? There is no proof especially with DNA chains.