Top Causes of Death in the U.S. in 2023

The top 10 causes of death in the U.S. in 2023 included heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, cerebrovascular diseases, chronic lower respiratory diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, kidney disease, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, and COVID-19, with heart disease and cancer being the top two causes.

H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak

The World Health Organization is alarmed by the spread of H5N1 bird flu to new species, including humans, with a high mortality rate. The virus has infected various animals and the concern is its potential to evolve and infect humans with the ability for human-to-human transmission.

Increase in Cases of Meningitis-Inducing Invasive Disease

The CDC warns of a spike in cases of a meningitis-inducing invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis, with a high mortality rate. The strain is deadlier than usual, affecting older patients, and disproportionately impacting people aged 30–60, black people, and those with HIV. Middle-aged adults account for 65% of cases, with a mortality rate of one in six.