Summary

Nationally, after reaching a second peak in week 10 (March 5–11), the observed number of deaths from all causes declined between weeks 11 and 13 (March 12–April 1) (Figure 1). Mortality remained significantly higher than expected during weeks 11 and 12. People aged 65 and older were the most affected by this second surge in mortality (Figure 2). At the regional level, excess mortality between weeks 8 and 11 was observed in nearly all regions. The number of deaths across all age groups in week 12 remains significantly higher than expected, primarily in the regions of northeastern France (Hauts-de-France, Grand-Est, and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté).

These initial observations should be interpreted with caution, as the data are not yet consolidated due to the usual delays in data transmission.

Over the period from December 4, 2017, to March 18, 2018 (i.e., weeks 49–2017 to 11–2018, the period for which data are consolidated), an excess mortality of 9.2% across all age groups is estimated, representing approximately 16,600 additional deaths (estimate extrapolated to the whole of France). When analyzed by age group, the excess is 9% among those aged 15–64 and 8.9% among those aged 65 and older.

At the European level, among the countries participating in the EuroMomo network (www.euromomo.eu), a spike in mortality was also observed in mid-February across all age groups and primarily among those aged 65 and older (Figure 5). Mortality appears to have returned to its usual fluctuation range starting in week 12.

According to data from electronic death certificates, 1,782 deaths were recorded during week 14 (April 2–8).