Summary

After mortality peaked in week 2 of 2015, a decline in mortality recorded by civil registry offices began in week 3 and continued into week 4 (January 19–25) (Figures 1 and 2). Mortality rates in week 4 remained significantly higher than expected. A decrease in mortality was also observed among people aged 85 and older, who were the most affected (Figure 3). In most regions, mortality among those aged 85 and older was stable or declining in Week 4, except in the Aquitaine, Basse-Normandie, Champagne-Ardenne, and Limousin regions. Mortality in the Île-de-France and Rhône-Alpes regions, despite a slight decline, remains high. The increase in the number of deaths certified electronically continued in week 5 (January 26 to February 1).