COVID-19 Dropped Out of Top 10 Leading Causes of Death
The virus fell from the nation's leading causes of mortality in 2024, according to new federal data.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in COVID-19
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COVID-19 is no longer among the 10 leading causes of death in the United States, according to a report published on September 22, 2026. The analysis examined all death certificates filed across the 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2024.
Why it matters
The change reflects a shift in mortality patterns, as nine of the 10 leading causes of death remained consistent between 2023 and 2024. These 10 primary factors combined to account for 70.9 percent of all deaths in the country during the 2024 period.
Researchers at the National Center for Health Statistics analyzed 2024 death certificates from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The report confirmed that COVID-19 dropped in rank across all race and Hispanic-origin groups compared to the previous year.
The players
National Center for Health Statistics
A federal agency that provides statistical information to guide health policy and improve the nation's health.
The details
The report identified chronic and acute conditions including heart disease, malignant neoplasms, and unintentional injuries as the primary drivers of mortality in 2024. These rankings were determined by tabulating cause-of-death data recorded on official state filings, offering a broad view of the current U.S. health landscape.
Timeline
2023: Reference year for the comparison of leading mortality rankings.
2024: Data collection year for the report on leading causes of death.
September 22, 2026: Official release date of the National Vital Statistics Report.
Health Landscape
This development marks a transition where COVID-19 mortality has settled out of the top 10 rankings alongside established leading causes like heart disease and cancer. It follows the pattern seen in the wake of the 1918 influenza pandemic, where initial mortality spikes eventually returned to a baseline of chronic disease dominance.
While the virus is no longer a top-10 leading cause of death, it remains a factor in respiratory health across the population. If you have concerns about your personal risk profile or recommended vaccination schedule, these remain important topics to discuss with your physician.
The takeaway
The latest federal data shows that COVID-19 mortality has decreased enough to shift out of the country's 10 leading causes of death. Readers should continue to track their personal health markers and discuss updated preventive care guidelines with a healthcare provider.
Further reading
For more on the current status of the virus, visit COVID-19.
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