Pandemic has been the deadliest event in state history

In terms of raw numbers, the COVID-19 pandemic has been the deadliest event in Michigan history. With 15,396 people dead as of Tuesday, the pandemic has killed more Michiganders than World War II and the Vietnam War combined.

The only thing that came close was another pandemic more than 100 years ago. The 1918 flu pandemic led to the deaths of roughly 15,000 state residents.

Of course, a lot has changed over the years, including the state’s population.

As a percentage of population, the 1918 pandemic killed about 0.43% of the residents at the time. COVID-19 has only killed 0.0002% of today’s population – meager by comparison.

Nonetheless, the coronavirus has quickly risen to be the third leading cause of death in Michigan – eclipsing other contenders such as accidents and strokes.

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