Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – A groundbreaking study led by the School of Public Health at the University of Pennsylvania reveals that many deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic went uncounted, highlighting a significant underestimation of the true toll of the virus. The research, published in the prestigious journal PNAS, sheds light on the impact of COVID-19 on excess mortality rates from natural causes, suggesting that the virus may have been a major driver of these deaths.
Official federal counts indicate that nearly 1,170,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the United States. However, multiple studies on excess mortality point to a much higher death toll than what is reported. The recent study focused on comparing reported COVID-19 deaths to excess deaths from non-COVID natural causes, such as diseases and chronic illnesses. The findings suggest a correlation between these excess deaths and uncounted COVID-19 deaths, particularly in the timing of peak death rates.
Lead researcher Andrew Stokes emphasizes the importance of accurately counting COVID-19 deaths during the pandemic. The study’s analysis of data from over 3,000 counties over a 30-month period revealed that a significant number of excess natural-cause deaths were not attributed to COVID-19. This discrepancy was more pronounced in certain regions, with rural areas and nonmetropolitan counties showing the largest gaps between reported COVID-19 deaths and excess natural-cause deaths.
The study’s findings challenge political assertions and public beliefs that have downplayed the impact of COVID-19 or placed blame on vaccination efforts and public health policies. The research underscores the need for accurate death investigations and reporting to better understand the true toll of the pandemic and improve response strategies.
Experts involved in the study stress the importance of using this new data to inform future analyses and public health policies. By accurately accounting for COVID-19 deaths and understanding the factors contributing to excess mortality, communities can better prepare for future health crises and ensure more effective pandemic mitigation strategies.
The study, funded by several organizations including The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the National Institute on Aging, highlights the importance of accurate data in shaping public health responses and addressing the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As communities strive to honor those who have lost their lives to the virus, a comprehensive understanding of the true number of COVID-19 deaths is essential for informing prevention efforts and public health interventions.