Summary

Nationally, after reaching a second peak in week 10 (March 5–11), the observed number of deaths from all causes declined in weeks 11 and 12 (March 12–25). Mortality remained significantly higher than expected in week 11. People aged 65 and older were the most affected by this second surge in mortality.At the regional level, the increase in mortality (between weeks 8 and 11) is observed in nearly all regions and is more pronounced in the regions of the northern half of the country (Brittany, Normandy, Hauts-de-France, Grand-Est, Burgundy-Franche-Comté, Île-de-France), as well as in Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

These initial observations should be interpreted with caution, as the data are not yet consolidated due to the usual transmission delays, which were extended by the Easter weekend.

Over the period from December 4, 2017, to March 11, 2018 (i.e., weeks 49–2017 to 10–2018, the period for which data are consolidated), an excess mortality of 9.2% across all age groups is estimated, representing approximately 15,500 additional deaths (estimate extrapolated to the whole of France). When analyzed by age group, the excess is 9.6% among those aged 15–64 and 8.7% 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. Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, as well as Spain and Portugal—which had already experienced an initial peak in mortality in early January—recorded excess deaths.

According to data from electronic death certificates, 1,905 deaths were recorded during week 13 (March 26 to April 1).