FOI Reference: FOI-2023-1546
You asked
I would like to know the number of registered deaths in Wales, caused specifically by the measles virus.
The periods I would like this information on are:
- 2014 and 2017
- 2018 and 2022
We said
Thank you for your request.
We are responsible for the production of mortality statistics for deaths registered in England and Wales. Our mortality data comes from the information collected at death registration. All the conditions mentioned on the death certificate are coded using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). From all of these causes an underlying cause of death is selected using ICD-10 coding rules.
The underlying cause of death is defined by WHO as:
a) the disease or injury that initiated the train of events directly leading to death, or
b) the circumstances of the accident or violence that produced the fatal injury
The requested information has been provided in the associated download named 'Number of deaths where the underlying cause of death was recorded as measles for deaths registered in Wales between 2014 and 2017 and 2018 and 2022'.
Please read the following notes alongside use of this data:
Notes:
1. Deaths where measles was recorded as the underlying cause are coded to B05 in the International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision (ICD-10) code.
2. Figures are for deaths registered, rather than deaths occurring in each calendar year. Due to the length of time it takes to complete a coroner's inquest, it can take months or even years for deaths from external causes and accidents to be registered. For more information see our Impact of registrations delays release. Impact of registration delays on mortality statistics in England and Wales publication.
3. Geographical boundaries are as of August 2023.