This is going to be unpopular, but if this was a gift in the form of a biological terrorist attack, then the fact that they hit the nursing homes is very relevant.
Terrorist use a small bomb, then use a big bomb once it is noticed and people think it is over.
So, saying that it only kills old people may be exactly what they want you to say. Then your guard is down and they release the big bio-weapon that kills the young and healthy.
Stay vigilant.