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

Feb. 4, 2022

COVID-19 was the top induce of loss of life in Los Angeles County all through the past two decades, surpassing coronary coronary heart disorder, in accordance to an announcement from the Los Angeles County Division of General public Health and fitness on Thursday.

Between March 2020 and December 2021, Los Angeles County recorded 24,947 COVID-19 deaths. All through that very same time, 21,513 residents died from coronary heart illness, which is historically the foremost result in of demise across the place. In addition, 3,422 people died from pneumonia and the flu for the duration of that time.

Although the most up-to-date surge in COVID-19 instances owing to the Omicron variant is subsiding, more mature and unvaccinated people proceed to confront higher hazards of intense illness, hospitalization and loss of life, the health division stated.

“Unfortunately, despite the availability of vaccines and the dominance of Omicron, which frequently will cause much less intense disorder than prior variants, COVID-19 fatalities proceed to far outstrip deaths due to other respiratory ailment,” the announcement mentioned.

Ahead of the pandemic, coronary heart disorder fatalities routinely doubled any other bring about of dying in the county, according to Deadline. In 2017, for occasion, coronary coronary heart condition accounted for a lot more than 11,000 fatalities, followed by Alzheimer’s disorder with 4,100 fatalities. Pneumonia and the flu built up about 2,000 deaths.

About 82% of eligible Los Angeles County residents have acquired at minimum 1 COVID-19 vaccine dose, according to the most up-to-date details from the well being office. About 73% are thoroughly vaccinated, and 34% have obtained a booster shot.

Youngsters among ages 5-11 have the most affordable vaccination prices, with 32% possessing gained a single dose and 23% totally vaccinated. In the course of January, ages 5-11 represented 15% of all COVID-19 cases in the county in spite of producing up 9% of the inhabitants.

“Children do get infected with COVID-19,” Barbara Ferrer, the public well being director, explained through a news briefing on Thursday.

Ferrer pointed to a recent assessment that identified Individuals are dying from COVID-19 at double the price of the U.K. and 4 times the charge of Germany, with low vaccination fees cited as the most probable explanation.

“These neighborhood and nationwide results are critical reminders that COVID has led to inconceivable illness and death,” she said. “Increasing vaccination and booster premiums gives the very best hope for lowering the most tragic final result from COVID an infection.”