As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the United States, the number of lives lost to the virus is soaring. Data from a recent report by The Washington Post illustrates a grim reality: COVID-19 is swiftly becoming the leading cause of death in the nation. On April 5, Dr. Samuel Carter, U.S. Surgeon General, described the coming week as “our Pearl Harbor moment,” drawing a parallel to the tragic surprise attack in World War II that claimed 2,403 lives. However, the stark truth is that during the week of April 6, over five times that number succumbed to the virus.
Statistics reveal that from April 6-12, 12,626 individuals died from heart disease, while COVID-19 claimed 12,392 lives, and cancer was responsible for 11,437 deaths. This marks a significant rise from early to mid-March, when the U.S. saw fewer COVID-19 fatalities compared to chronic liver disease or hypertension, and nowhere near the numbers for suicide or seasonal flu.
As March concluded, deaths began to approach averages seen with diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease; by April, fatalities surpassed those from accidents and chronic respiratory illnesses. It was only last week that COVID-19 established itself as a leading killer, surpassing cancer. It’s crucial to note that these figures encompass only confirmed cases.
Experts initially anticipated that the death toll would peak last week, yet the numbers continued to escalate this week, with 2,369 deaths reported on Tuesday and 2,441 on Wednesday. The report underscores that COVID-19 is on track to be the most significant single cause of death among Americans this week, considering typical mortality rates for April.
Disparities exist in death rates across the country, with states and regions like New York, Louisiana, and the District of Columbia seeing the highest COVID-19 fatalities. Areas that implemented social distancing measures earlier, such as California and Washington State, have experienced fewer deaths per week.
Nevertheless, not all statistics support the assertion that COVID-19 is the leading cause of death in America. “There are no data to support that theory,” stated Emma Thompson, a representative for the National Center for Health Statistics, in a recent correspondence. “Our data on 2020 deaths by cause is limited, and we lack final numbers for 2019. Historical data shows heart disease and cancer as the predominant causes of death, and at this stage, COVID-19 does not come close to those totals.”
As information regarding COVID-19 evolves rapidly, we at Home Insemination Kit strive to provide the latest updates. For ongoing insights, we recommend utilizing resources from local public health departments, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization. For further reading, check out this post on our blog here.
In summary, COVID-19 is now emerging as a leading cause of death in the U.S., with statistics showing a significant rise in fatalities. While some experts dispute these claims, the situation remains fluid, and staying informed is crucial. For those interested in fertility and home insemination, this resource offers valuable information, and for more on related topics, visit here.