Overlooked virus: COVID-19 still kills more than 100,000 Americans each year

A CDC study published in JAMA Internal Medicine estimates about 101,300 COVID-19 deaths from Oct 2022–Sep 2023 and about 100,800 deaths from Oct 2023–Sep 2024, and finds older adults accounted for a large share of severe outcomes.

CDC researchers published a study in JAMA Internal Medicine estimating the national burden of COVID-19 from October 2022 through September 2024. The analysis reports more than 100,000 deaths in each of two one-year periods and millions of associated illnesses, outpatient visits and hospitalizations. Researchers used data from the COVID-19 Hospitalization Surveillance Network and statistical modeling to produce national estimates after routine case reporting declined. The study notes that older adults accounted for a disproportionate share of severe outcomes. Key findings: - Estimated deaths: about 101,300 deaths from Oct 2022–Sep 2023 and about 100,800 deaths from Oct 2023–Sep 2024. - Estimated illnesses and medical visits: 43.6 million illnesses, 10.0 million outpatient visits and 1.1 million hospitalizations in 2022–23; 33.0 million illnesses, 7.7 million outpatient visits and 879,100 hospitalizations in 2023–24. - Older adults (65+) comprised roughly 17.7% of the U.S. population but accounted for 47.9% of illnesses, 64.3% of outpatient visits, 67.6% of hospitalizations and 81.2% of deaths in the 2023–24 period. - Methods and surveillance: estimates were extrapolated from COVID-NET data covering 89 counties in 12 states (about 10% of the U.S. population) using statistical modeling to address reduced case reporting and testing. Summary: The findings indicate COVID-19 continues to cause substantial illness, hospital use and deaths and adds pressure to outpatient clinics and hospitals during respiratory virus seasons. Undetermined at this time.