Mortality impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak by sex and age: rapid mortality surveillance system, Italy, 1 February to 18 April 2020

Euro Surveill. 2020 May;25(19):2000620. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2020.25.19.2000620.

Abstract

Data from the rapid mortality surveillance system in 19 major Italian cities were used to carry out a timely assessment of the health impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. By 18 April, a + 45% excess in mortality was observed, with a higher impact in the north of the country (+ 76%). The excess was greatest among men, with an increasing trend by age. Surveillance data can be used to evaluate the lockdown and re-opening phases.

Keywords: COVID-19; demographic factors; mortality; surveillance system; vulnerable populations.

MeSH terms

  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Coronavirus Infections / mortality*
  • Coronavirus Infections / transmission
  • Coronavirus*
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Epidemiological Monitoring
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mortality / trends*
  • Pandemics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Viral / mortality*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / transmission
  • Population Surveillance*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Sex Distribution