Sign up for our daily briefing
Make your busy days simpler with Axios AM/PM. Catch up on what's new and why it matters in just 5 minutes.
Catch up on the day's biggest business stories
Subscribe to Axios Closer for insights into the day’s business news and trends and why they matter
Stay on top of the latest market trends
Subscribe to Axios Markets for the latest market trends and economic insights. Sign up for free.
Sports news worthy of your time
Binge on the stats and stories that drive the sports world with Axios Sports. Sign up for free.
Tech news worthy of your time
Get our smart take on technology from the Valley and D.C. with Axios Login. Sign up for free.
Get the inside stories
Get an insider's guide to the new White House with Axios Sneak Peek. Sign up for free.
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Catch up on coronavirus stories and special reports, curated by Mike Allen everyday
Want a daily digest of the top Denver news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Denver
Want a daily digest of the top Des Moines news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Des Moines
Want a daily digest of the top Twin Cities news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Twin Cities
Want a daily digest of the top Tampa Bay news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Tampa Bay
Want a daily digest of the top Charlotte news?
Get a daily digest of the most important stories affecting your hometown with Axios Charlotte
Polk County’s deaths increased almost 20% last year, up 706 from 2019, according to a report presented to supervisors Wednesday by Polk County medical examiner Joshua Akers.
- Statewide deaths were up by almost 5,000, or just over 16%, according to a separate preliminary report released last week.
Why it matters: It's a sobering reminder of the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the importance of vaccines and maintaining precautions like wearing a mask.
By the numbers: COVID-19 has been the underlying cause of death for at least 5,192 Iowans and a contributing factor in at least 644 others, according to Wednesday’s state data.
- At least 528 Polk County deaths are attributed to the disease.
The big picture: Our numbers are reflective of national mortality stats, which saw the death rate jump by 15.9% between 2019 and 2020.
- COVID was responsible for about 1 in 10 deaths.
- It was the third-leading overall cause of death — behind heart disease and cancer. It was also the leading cause of death among Hispanics, highlighting the pandemic's disproportionate impact on populations of color.
The bottom line: "A 20% increase is a big deal. I hope people use this as a reminder about what is at stake and to, at minimum, mask up," Polk County supervisor Matt McCoy told Axios.
This story first appeared in the Axios Des Moines newsletter, designed to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news unfolding in their own backyard.