Summary

For the fourth consecutive week, the mortality recorded at participating civil registry offices (accounting for 70% of national mortality) has decreased (Figures 1 and 2). The number of deaths observed in Week 11 (March 9–15) remains 5% higher than the expected number of deaths, within the usual range of fluctuations. This decrease in mortality is observed among people aged 65 and older. In Week 11, mortality also decreased in nearly all regions (Figures 3 and 4). Over the first 11 weeks of 2015, winter mortality was 17% higher than the expected mortality calculated based on the previous 8 years, representing an estimated excess of 14,000 deaths (including 12,000 deaths since the start of the influenza epidemic in Week 3). The contribution of influenza to excess mortality is known to be significant among the elderly, although it is not possible to specify its share in the excess observed this season. These initial estimates should be treated with caution, as the episode is not yet over and the data are not yet consolidated due to the usual delays in reporting. In Europe, mortality has also returned to levels close to expected rates in the 10 countries affected by this episode of increased mortality. At the European level, excess mortality from all causes is estimated at 85,000 people across all age groups. 681 deaths were electronically certified during week 12 (March 16–22), a slight decrease compared to the two preceding weeks (Figure 5).