Austin, Texas – Based on Austin Public Health’s vital records data from 2018, COVID-19 deaths have surpassed cerebrovascular diseases, which include strokes, as the fourth-leading cause of death in Travis County. 

In 2018, cerebrovascular diseases caused 337 deaths in Travis County, and as of Aug. 20 there have been 346 COVID-19 deaths in Austin-Travis County. Accidents (512 deaths), heart disease (1,092 deaths), and cancer (1,229 deaths) comprised the top three leading causes of death in 2018. 

“When we look at our death data, we see that COVID-19 is a leading cause of death locally, statewide, and nationally.” said APH Director Stephanie Hayden.  “We have hit an unfortunate milestone in our community.” 

“We present these numbers to remind our community of the vast spread of misinformation around COVID-19,” said Dr. Mark Escott, Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority. “If we do not take this virus seriously in our community, we have the real possibility that every family will know someone who was hospitalized or who has died from COVID-19.” 

Based on historical trends, APH can compare the approximate number of deaths in 2018 with 2020 for each cause of death listed. A final cause of death is determined once a death certificate is filed with the APH Office of Vital Records. 

Across the state of Texas in 2018, the top four leading causes of death were heart disease, cancer, stroke, and chronic lower respiratory diseases. In the United States in 2017, the top four leading causes of death were heart disease, cancer, accidents, and chronic lower respiratory disease. 

For COVID-19 updates and information, visit AustinTexas.gov/COVID19.