What does the term "excess deaths" refer to?

The term "excess deaths" refers to the number of fatalities that exceed the expected average in a given population during a specific timeframe. This measurement is critical in public health, particularly when assessing the impact of a crisis, such as a pandemic, natural disaster, or other significant events on mortality rates.

When analyzing data, public health officials establish a baseline or an expected number of deaths based on historical data over several years. When events occur that lead to higher-than-expected mortality, the difference between observed deaths and this baseline is categorized as excess deaths. This metric provides valuable insight into the broader impacts of health crises beyond immediate causes, as it can encompass indirect effects like delayed medical care, mental health issues, and behavioral changes during such times.

Understanding excess deaths allows researchers and policymakers to evaluate the full scope and consequences of events on public health, shaping future health response strategies and resource allocation.