Title: CDC Data Reveals COVID-19 as Primary Cause of Only 1.7% of Deaths Last Week
In a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it has been revealed that COVID-19 was the primary cause of just 1.7% of the 324 deaths reported in the week ending Aug. 19. The data, obtained from the CDC’s COVID-19 dashboard, showcases a significant shift in the primary causes of death from the virus.
According to the CDC, the percentage slightly increases to 2.1% for COVID-19 deaths in New York. However, the highest COVID-19 death rates are observed in Florida and Maryland, at 3.4%, followed by Washington with 2.4%. Tennessee and North Carolina each reported a rate of 2%, with New York slightly above the national average.
Interestingly, previous peaks of the pandemic in 2021 saw around 30% of COVID-19-related deaths primarily attributed to the virus itself. However, the current data highlights a significant transition where other conditions, injuries, diseases, or events have become the primary causes of death.
The CDC asserts that cancer and heart disease continue to be the leading causes of death across the nation, as evidenced by their prevalence in the collected data. Furthermore, weekly COVID-19 deaths have declined noticeably since the height of the pandemic in March 2020 and have reached their lowest numbers to date.
Despite the decline in deaths, recent nationwide COVID-19 cases have experienced a sudden surge, including a worrying 55% increase in New York at the beginning of August. This spike is attributed to the emergence of a new variant known as EG.5, or Eris, which now accounts for approximately 17% of COVID-19 cases nationwide.
Health experts, including NYC Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Ashwin Vasan, are expressing concerns about the rise of these new variants. They are urging individuals to be prepared and get updated booster shots when they become available in late September. The experts stress the importance of staying vigilant and taking necessary precautions as the pandemic continues to evolve.
As the dynamics of COVID-19 continue to shift, it remains critical for individuals to stay informed, follow recommended guidelines, and prioritize their health and safety.
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