Report: COVID was No. 3 cause of death last year in Montana

Montana’s overall mortality rate increased by a marked 14% in 2020 as compared to the previous five-year average, an increase the state health department said is largely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The information was provided in a new report issued Tuesday by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, the state agency that has compiled COVID-19 information since the start of the pandemic.

Data used in the report is from Montana death certificates collected by the Montana Office of Vital Records and were limited to Montana residents. The cause of death is determined by a physician, advanced practice nurse, or coroner before it is reported to the state.

The numbers are considered provisional. A Tuesday press release on the report said information on deaths occurring in a calendar year are usually not finalized until mid-year or the following year.

The report shows Montana’s death rate increased from 747 deaths per 100,000 individuals from 2015 to 2019, to nearly 853 in 2020. That means there were approximately 1,900 excess deaths last year compared to the average number per year in the previous five years.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the health and daily lives of Montanans,” said Adam Meier, new director of the state health department. “Our hearts go out to all those who have lost a loved one over the past year as we approach the anniversary of the state’s first COVID-19-related death. This report illustrates how this has impacted Montanans all across the state.”

OVERALL, COVID-19-related fatalities emerged as the No. 3 cause of death in the state in 2020, attributing to 9% of all deaths. A total of 1,104 individuals died from the virus last year, though state data shows that number is now nearing 1,400.

Heart disease and cancer were the first and second leading causes of death, accounting for approximately 40% of all fatalities. These were also the leading causes of death among Montanans for the 2015 to 2019 period.

Deaths from chronic liver disease and alcohol-induced complications increased significantly last year as well. However, the report notes, “the disease processes that lead to alcohol-related deaths accumulate over many years and more information is needed to determine what factors may be associated with the observed increase.”

The state’s homicide death rate also climbed more than 60% in 2020, but when compared to other leading causes, homicides were the fewest, sliding in at No. 14 overall. The report also states more information from other data sources, such as autopsy or police reports, is needed to get a better idea on the statistics.

Meanwhile, deaths related to chronic lower respiratory disease, influenza and pneumonia were down significantly — findings the report attributes to decreased influenza activity in the United States and elsewhere. Public health experts, including Flathead City-County Health Department Health Officer Joe Russell, have said mitigation efforts associated with COVID-19, such as social distancing and mask wearing, have helped quell influenza numbers this season.

Deaths related to motor vehicles and suicide were similar to years past. For example, on average, 280 individuals died by suicide each year from 2015 to 2019, compared 287 in 2020.

The report can be viewed on the state health department’s website at dphhs.mt.gov

Reporter Kianna Gardner may be reached at 758-4407 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com