COVID-19 Dropped Out of Top Ten Leading Causes of Death
The National Center for Health Statistics reported that COVID-19 fell from the top ten death causes in 2024.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in COVID-19
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A report published on September 22, 2026, by the National Center for Health Statistics found that COVID-19 dropped out of the list of the ten leading causes of death in 2024. Nine of the top ten leading causes of death remained unchanged from 2023.
Why it matters
The decline of COVID-19 as a leading cause of mortality signals a significant shift in the landscape of public health and population-level health trends in the United States. This data provides insight into the long-term impact of the virus compared to traditional leading causes of mortality.
The top ten leading causes of death in 2024, including heart disease, malignant neoplasms, and unintentional injuries, accounted for 70.9 percent of all recorded deaths across 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The players
National Center for Health Statistics
This federal agency is part of the CDC and provides statistical information to guide actions and policies to improve the health of the American people.
The details
Researchers analyzed all death certificates filed throughout 2024 to determine the shifting rankings of mortality causes. The report shows that while COVID-19 dropped in rank for all race and Hispanic-origin groups, the primary list of fatal health conditions remained largely stable.
Timeline
2023 served as the reference year for comparing mortality rankings.
Data for the mortality report was collected throughout 2024.
The National Vital Statistics Report was released on September 22, 2026.
Health Landscape
This report follows the standard annual methodology established by the National Vital Statistics System to track long-term mortality trends. It highlights how current disease trajectories now diverge from the elevated death rates seen during the height of the pandemic.
The shift away from COVID-19 as a leading cause of death reflects changing population-level health risks for the average person. It indicates that healthcare providers and patients are increasingly managing the virus as part of a routine medical environment.
The takeaway
The relative stabilization of the top ten causes of death suggests a return to pre-pandemic mortality patterns for the general population. Monitoring these primary health risks remains the most effective strategy for individuals to manage their long-term wellness.
Further reading
For more information on national health trends, visit the COVID-19 section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Healthday.
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