NATIONAL NEWS

CDC: COVID-19 was third leading cause of death in US in 2021

Apr 22, 2022, 8:10 PM | Updated: Jun 8, 2022, 3:16 pm

COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in the United States in 2021, CDC reports. Flags are ...

COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in the United States in 2021, CDC reports. Flags are placed in the ground to commemorate the Americans who have died due to COVID-19 near the Washington Monument on September 18, 2021 in Washington, D.C. Spencer Platt/Getty Images via CNN)

(CNN) — COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in the United States in 2021, following heart disease and cancer, for the second year in a row, according to provisional data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The overall age-adjusted death rate for all causes in the US was about 1% higher in 2021 that in was in 2020, but the death rate from COVID-19 increased by nearly 20%. The data was published Friday in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

More than one in eight deaths in 2021 had COVID-19 as an underlying cause, up from about one in 10 deaths in 2020.

More than 415,000 people died from COVID-19 in 2021, while about 605,000 people died from cancer and about 693,000 people died from heart disease, according to the CDC data. Influenza dropped out of the top 10 causes of death in 2021, while suicide rose to the tenth leading cause of death overall.

Demographic patterns in 2021 were similar to 2020, with overall death rates highest for Black people and American Indians and Alaskan Natives.

However, disparities in COVID-19 death rates decreased significantly for most racial and ethnic groups compared to the first year of the pandemic relative to death rates for multiracial people.

About 13% of COVID-19 deaths were among Black people in 2021, down from about 16% in 2020. Similarly, 16.5% of COVID-19 deaths were among Hispanic people in 2021, down from about 19% in 2020. White people, however, increased from about 60% of Covid-19 deaths in 2020 to more than 65% in 2021, according to the CDC data.

Also, COVID-19 death rates remained highest among those ages 85 and older in 2021, but were lower than they were in 2020. For all other age groups, Covid-19 death rates were higher in 2021 than they were in 2020.

“The results of both studies highlight the need for greater effort to implement effective interventions,” the CDC said in a statement. “We must work to ensure equal treatment in all communities in proportion to their need for effective interventions that can prevent excess COVID-19 deaths.”


The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

President Joe Biden speaks in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2...

Farnoush Amiri, Associated Press

House Republicans invite President Biden to testify at public hearing as impeachment inquiry stalls

House Republicans have invited President Joe Biden to testify before Congress on their stalled monthslong impeachment inquiry.

9 hours ago

FILE - Eggs are displayed on store shelves at a local grocery store in Chandler, Ariz., Jan. 21, 20...

Dee-Ann Burrin, AP Business Writer

What’s keeping egg prices high for Easter? It’s not just inflation

Egg prices are at near-historic highs in many parts of the world as Easter and Passover approach.

11 hours ago

Kia has recalled 427,407 of its Telluride SUVs because they can roll away while in park....

Samantha Delouya, CNN

Kia recalls more than 400,000 Telluride SUVs that can move while in park

All Telluride vehicles made between 2020 and 2023 and certain 2024 models are affected by the recall.

11 hours ago

Consumers hunting for Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies this year can expect sticker shock...

John Towfighi, CNN

As cocoa prices soar this Easter, chocolatiers consider alternatives

Consumers hunting for Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies this year can expect sticker shock.

15 hours ago

Post reading "Wall Street"...

Stan Choe, AP Business Writer

Stock market today: Wall Street rises to more records to close out its latest winning month

The stock market has been on a nearly unstoppable run since late October, and the S&P 500 just capped its fifth straight winning month.

16 hours ago

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 03: Larry David, comedian, writer, actor, and television producer loo...

Alli Rosenbloom, CNN

Don’t bother Larry David with menial pleasantries. He’s not interested

Just like the version of himself that he plays on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” there are some things in life that Larry David can’t be bothered with.

16 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

CDC: COVID-19 was third leading cause of death in US in 2021