Maryland Reports 30 Cold-Related Deaths So Far This Winter Season

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As of February 5, the Maryland Department of Health has reported 30 cold-related deaths during the 2024-25 winter season, according to its latest update.

The weekly report reveals that Baltimore City accounted for 11 of those fatalities, while Baltimore County recorded four. Among the victims, 22 were men and eight were women.

The total number of deaths increased by four since the previous report on January 29. The state had recorded its first cold-related death in the December 18 report.

During the 2023-24 winter season, Maryland documented 70 cold-related deaths, a sharp rise from the 45 deaths reported in the 2022-23 season.

Rise in Cold-Related Illnesses

Beyond fatalities, the report highlights many emergency visits due to cold-related illnesses. So far this winter, more than 1,466 people have sought care at emergency departments and urgent care centers for conditions related to cold exposure.

Respiratory Virus Activity Remains High

Meanwhile, respiratory illnesses continue to impact Maryland and the nation. According to the CDC, emergency room visits for the flu have reached “very high” levels nationwide as the respiratory virus season progresses.

This flu season has followed a later timeline than in the past two years, resembling trends from the 2019-20 season, when cases peaked around the New Year, according to CBS News.

As of January 31, Maryland reported “high” levels of respiratory illnesses, with flu-related ER visits continuing to rise. The CDC also noted that flu activity remains elevated across the country, while COVID-19 cases are increasing in many areas. RSV cases, however, are beginning to decline.

CDC officials warn that peak hospitalizations for respiratory viruses this season are expected to be significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.

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