Summary

Following a marked increase in mortality recorded by the vital statistics offices participating in the surveillance (70% of national mortality) during weeks 5 through 7, a slight decline in the number of deaths was observed during week 8 (February 16–22) (Figures 1 and 2). The increase in mortality is primarily observed among people aged 65 and older (Figure 3). All regions were affected by this episode (Figure 4). The first excess mortality was observed as early as the first two weeks of January and before the start of the influenza epidemic (S3). Over the first 8 weeks of 2015, winter mortality was 17% higher than the expected mortality calculated based on the previous 8 years, representing an estimated excess of 10,500 deaths (including 8,500 deaths since the start of the influenza epidemic). The contribution of influenza to excess mortality is known to be significant among older adults, although it is not possible to specify its exact 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, an increase in all-cause mortality among people aged 65 and older has also been observed in 10 of the 16 countries or regions participating in the European mortality surveillance system (www.EuroMomo.eu). Since early 2015, excess mortality has been observed in all European countries bordering the ocean, with the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and the Netherlands being the hardest hit (Figure 5). Across Europe, excess mortality from all causes is very high and estimated at 60,000 people of all ages. Electronically certified deaths remained stable during Week 9 (February 23 to March 1) compared to previous weeks (Figure 6).