What happened
Belgium recorded 2,935 deaths above the expected level across three summer periods of high temperatures, according to figures attributed to the national public health institute, Sciensano. EkoIQ reported the data.
The largest increase was recorded from 18 June to 3 July. That period had 2,035 excess deaths, with mortality 48.8% above the expected level.
For the second period, running from 4 to 17 July, the reported excess was 535 deaths. Mortality was 14.8% higher than expected. The final period, from 28 July to 16 August, recorded 365 excess deaths, or 7% above the expected level.
On 27 June, 641 deaths were reported, the highest daily count in the periods covered. The total for that day was 146.5% above the expected number.
Why it matters
The figures provide a period-by-period record of mortality exceeding the expected level during Belgium’s summer heat episodes. The difference was most pronounced in the first of the three periods, which represented more than two-thirds of the 2,935 reported excess deaths.
For users of the data, it is important to distinguish the overall total from the three individual periods and their differing percentage increases. The material does not set out new policy measures, reporting deadlines or business obligations associated with the figures.
How the measure is calculated
Sciensano determines excess mortality by comparing the number of deaths recorded with an expected count. The expected count is calculated from data for the preceding five years.
This means the percentages reported for each period describe how far recorded deaths exceeded that historical benchmark: 48.8% in the first period, 14.8% in the second and 7% in the third.
What to watch
No further publication timetable or policy response was specified in the reported material. Readers assessing the figures should refer to the stated five-year baseline when comparing the three periods or using the aggregate total.
