Pneumonia Deaths Surge in Canada, New Data Reveals 20% Rise

Statistics Canada has reported a significant increase in pneumonia-related fatalities among Canadians, with deaths rising by 20 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. The respiratory illness has moved up to become the sixth-leading cause of death in Canada, a notable shift from its position as the eighth leading cause in 2023. The data, released on March 5, 2024, highlights the vulnerability of the elderly population, particularly those aged 85 and above, who accounted for more than half of the pneumonia-related deaths.

In total, more than 7,000 deaths were attributed to pneumonia in 2024. Despite this increase, the figures remain considerably lower than the peak recorded in 2018, which exceeded 8,500 fatalities. The report noted that, when adjusting for population size and age demographics, the impact of pneumonia was more pronounced in 2017 and 2018 than in 2024.

The decline in pneumonia deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic is also noteworthy. Public health measures, including social distancing, likely contributed to this decrease, as did the phenomenon of “mortality displacement.” This concept suggests that many individuals who succumbed to COVID-19 were the same ones most susceptible to other respiratory illnesses. The report indicated that deaths from pneumonia typically outnumber those from influenza by a factor of five.

In contrast, deaths attributed to COVID-19 have shown a downward trend. In 2024, fatalities decreased by nearly 37 percent from the previous year, placing COVID-19 as the ninth-leading cause of death, down from sixth. Elderly Canadians remain particularly at risk, with over half of COVID-19-related deaths occurring among those over 85 years.

Changing Patterns in Dementia and Life Expectancy

The report also highlighted an increase in deaths related to dementia, which rose by 4 percent in 2024 compared to 2023. While it is not classified among the top ten causes of death, the data suggests that if dementia were included, it would rank third, following cancer and heart disease, and ahead of accidental deaths.

Additionally, a separate report from Statistics Canada indicated continued improvements in life expectancy across the nation. The average life expectancy at birth increased to 82.16 years in 2024, up from 81.68 years in 2023, approaching pre-pandemic levels. The rise was observed to be greater among males compared to females. Saskatchewan experienced the most significant increase, with a rise of 0.68 years, followed closely by Alberta at 0.82 years and British Columbia at 0.62 years.

Despite these positive trends, a 2023 report revealed that Canadian females continued to outlive males, but their quality of life remains lower. While females can expect to live 81 percent of their lives in good health, males fare slightly better, with 83 percent experiencing good health during their lifetimes.

This comprehensive look at mortality and health trends underscores the ongoing challenges posed by respiratory illnesses and the critical need for continued public health strategies. The findings serve as a reminder of the importance of monitoring health trends, especially among vulnerable populations.

With files from CTV News’ Dorcas Marfo.