"COVID Falls Out of Top 10 US Causes of Death in Historic Shift"

COVID-19 Drops from Top 10 US Causes of Death in 2024, Marking Major Public Health Milestone For the first time since the start of the pandemic, COVID-19 is no longer among the top 10 causes of death in the United States. According to early data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-related deaths have been steadily declining since their peak in 2021, with a significant drop last year. This milestone marks a major public health achievement, but experts caution that COVID is still among the leading causes of death in the US and remains a concern for vulnerable populations. "While this is a significant step forward, we must continue to be vigilant and take steps to protect those who are most at risk," said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, an epidemiologist at the World Health Organization (WHO). The CDC data shows that COVID-19 dropped from the list of top 10 causes of death in 2024, after becoming the third leading cause of death in the US in 2020 and remaining among the leading causes since then. According to the CDC, COVID-related deaths have been declining steadily since their peak in 2021, with a significant drop last year. The decline in COVID-19 deaths is attributed to several factors, including widespread vaccination efforts, improved treatments, and changes in public behavior. "The fact that we've seen a significant decrease in COVID-19 deaths is a testament to the hard work of healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers who have worked tirelessly to combat this pandemic," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). While the drop in COVID-19 deaths is a significant milestone, experts emphasize that it's essential to continue monitoring the situation and taking steps to protect vulnerable populations. "We must remain vigilant and continue to invest in public health infrastructure, including vaccination programs, contact tracing, and testing," said Dr. Van Kerkhove. The CDC data also highlights the importance of continued vigilance against COVID-19, particularly among older adults and those with underlying health conditions. According to the CDC, these populations are still at higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. As the US continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, public health officials emphasize the need for sustained investment in pandemic preparedness and response efforts. "We must learn from this experience and continue to invest in public health infrastructure to ensure that we're better prepared for future pandemics," said Dr. Fauci. In conclusion, the drop of COVID-19 from the top 10 causes of death in the US is a significant milestone, marking a major public health achievement. However, experts caution that continued vigilance and investment in public health infrastructure are essential to protecting vulnerable populations and preventing future outbreaks. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) World Health Organization (WHO) National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) This story was compiled from reports by NPR News and BREAKING: NPR News.