EuroMOMO pooled estimates show an elevated level of excess mortality

This week’s overall pooled EuroMOMO estimates of all-cause mortality for the participating European countries show elevated excess mortality. Since mid-2021, the accumulated level of mortality in Europe in the age group of 0-14 years seems to have increased. The possible explanations are being investigated.

Data from 24 European countries or subnational regions were included in this week’s pooled analysis of all-cause mortality.

Spain does not participate in EuroMOMO outputs in week 36/2022, due to an adjustment process related with mortality data sources at national level.

Note on interpretation of data: The number of deaths shown for the three most recent weeks should be interpreted with caution, as adjustments for delayed registrations may be imprecise. Furthermore, results of pooled analyses may vary depending on countries included in the weekly analyses. Pooled analyses are adjusted for variation between the included countries and for differences in the local delay in reporting

Note on observed excess mortality in the age group 0-14 years during 2021-2022

Since mid-2021, some unusual excess mortality signals have been observed in the age group of 0-14 years. EuroMOMO is looking into the possible explanation for these signals, in consultation with participating countries in the network.

From a methodological perspective, it is important to note that the mortality baseline applied currently in the EuroMOMO excess mortality algorithm does not include any mortality data from 2020, 2021 or 2022, which will be affected by varying excess mortality associated with the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic including varying restrictions, which could bias the “normal” level of mortality.

Furthermore, it should again be stressed that EuroMOMO does not collect any data beyond mortality data to answer questions about causality in observed mortality signals. Therefore, EuroMOMO’s outputs should not, in any way, be cited as “evidence” for any underlying causes of unusual mortality patterns.

Note about data from Ukraine

The EuroMOMO hub regrets to inform that weekly data from Ukraine will not be provided in the coming period, due to the current war in Ukraine.

About EuroMOMO network data sharing and collaboration

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, information on its mortality impact is of major concern. The EuroMOMO network hub receives many questions about the weekly mortality data we present, as well as requests to share the underlying national data. While the network fully supports data sharing, the network hub is not mandated by the participating countries to release any national data. If you are interested in accessing national data, please approach countries individually.

The EuroMOMO network welcomes collaboration with external partners, e.g. about additional analyses and modelling to be performed. If you are interested in engaging with the network about any such collaboration, please forward your ideas to the hub, for wider sharing and dialogue with the network.

Kindly note that any use of data or information originating from the EuroMOMO website must be appropriately quoted and acknowledged.