The number of deaths increased sharply in Reunion between January 1 and February 14, 2022, according to the INSEE count : 1,048 compared to 647 in 2019 for the same period (+62%). This excess mortality, is the direct consequence of the epidemic outbreak which occurred at the beginning of the year. For several weeks, Réunion was the French department where the incidence and hospitalization rates due to Covid-19 infection were the highest.
A large proportion of people who died in hospital suffered from comorbidities (diabetes, cardiovascular disease...). INSEE also notes that the increase in the number of deaths at home over the period is only partially explained by the continued aging of the population. : the Covid-19 virus undoubtedly contributed to this. In 2021, 5,740 Reunion Islanders died, or 13,5% more than in 2019. The increase in the number of deaths was much lower between 2019 and 2020 (+1,8%) and between 2018 and 2019 (+1%).
Sharp increase in mortality at the start of the year
