France reports 5,764 excess deaths during late-June heat wave

What does 'excess deaths' mean in this report?

It refers to the gap between the number of deaths actually recorded and the number that would normally be expected for the same period based on statistical modeling from previous years. In this case, France recorded 21,674 deaths instead of an expected 15,910, producing 5,764 excess deaths Lethbridge News Now,CBS News.

Were all of these deaths confirmed as heat deaths?

No. French health officials said the total reflects all-cause excess mortality during the heat-wave period, and they have not yet conclusively determined how many of those deaths were directly attributable to extreme heat S A N A,N-tv.

Who was most affected by the mortality increase?

The rise in deaths was seen from age 15 upward, but older adults were hit hardest. About two-thirds of the excess deaths were among people age 75 and older, according to the health agency's preliminary data Vorarlberg Online,EL MUNDO.