COVID-19 Decline in Death Ranking

In a significant shift, COVID-19 has dropped to the 10th leading cause of death in the United States for 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This marks a decline from its position as the fourth leading cause in 2022 and the third leading cause during the early pandemic years. The CDC's report, published in the journal JAMA, indicates that the overall mortality burden from COVID-19 has decreased, with heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries remaining the top three causes of death. The CDC noted that while COVID-19 was associated with at least 76,446 deaths in 2023, it is increasingly viewed as a contributing factor rather than the primary cause of death. Death rates from COVID-19 have fallen across all demographic groups, although Black Americans continue to experience the highest rates. Seniors aged 85 and older also reported the highest mortality rates. The agency's data suggests that the overall death rate in the U.S. decreased by 6.1% from 2022 to 2023. Despite a rise in COVID-19 infections during the summer, the CDC reported lower levels of severe disease, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations compared to previous waves. CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen emphasized the importance of promoting COVID-19 vaccinations, particularly among high-risk groups, to continue protecting vulnerable populations. Experts highlight the need to address traditional leading causes of death, such as heart disease and cancer, while acknowledging the progress made in reducing COVID-19 fatalities. The narrowing gap in COVID-19 death rates among racial and ethnic groups reflects ongoing efforts to mitigate health disparities.