COVID-19 Was Leading Cause of Death in L.A. Over Past Two Years

Feb. 4, 2022

COVID-19 was the main reason for demise in Los Angeles County in the course of the previous two years, surpassing coronary coronary heart illness, in line with an announcement from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on Thursday.

Between March 2020 and December 2021, Los Angeles County recorded 24,947 COVID-19 deaths. During that very same time, 21,513 residents died from coronary coronary heart illness, which is traditionally the main reason for demise throughout the nation. In addition, 3,422 folks died from pneumonia and the flu throughout that point.

Although the most recent surge in COVID-19 instances as a result of Omicron variant is subsiding, older and unvaccinated folks proceed to face excessive dangers of extreme sickness, hospitalization and demise, the well being division mentioned.

“Unfortunately, despite the availability of vaccines and the dominance of Omicron, which generally causes less severe disease than prior variants, COVID-19 deaths continue to far outstrip deaths due to other respiratory illness,” the announcement mentioned.

Before the pandemic, coronary coronary heart illness deaths frequently doubled another reason for demise within the county, in line with Deadline. In 2017, as an illustration, coronary coronary heart illness accounted for greater than 11,000 deaths, adopted by Alzheimer’s illness with 4,100 deaths. Pneumonia and the flu made up about 2,000 deaths.

About 82% of eligible Los Angeles County residents have obtained at the very least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, in line with the most recent knowledge from the well being division. About 73% are totally vaccinated, and 34% have obtained a booster shot.

Children between ages 5-11 have the bottom vaccination charges, with 32% having obtained one dose and 23% totally vaccinated. During January, ages 5-11 represented 15% of all COVID-19 instances within the county regardless of making up 9% of the inhabitants.

“Children do get infected with COVID-19,” Barbara Ferrer, the general public well being director, mentioned throughout a information briefing on Thursday.

Ferrer pointed to a latest evaluation that discovered Americans are dying from COVID-19 at double the speed of the U.Ok. and 4 occasions the speed of Germany, with low vaccination charges cited because the most definitely purpose.

“These local and national findings are important reminders that COVID has led to inconceivable illness and death,” she mentioned. “Increasing vaccination and booster rates offers the best hope for reducing the most tragic outcome from COVID infection.”