UKHSA 'serious risk to health' warning after 2,200 people die

UKHSA 'serious risk to health' warning after 2,200 people die UKHSA is urging people to take steps to protect themselves The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling on people to take precautions after new figures indicate approximately 2,200 deaths were associated with cold weather across five cold spells in England during winter 2025-26. The most serious episode, a nine-day stretch in early January, was linked to an estimated 1,563 cold-related deaths. The North West recorded the highest mortality rate, with 52 cold-associated deaths per million population, followed by the East Midlands and Yorkshire and The Humber. The report also revealed that regional variations in cold-associated mortality don't always correspond with differences in winter temperatures. Despite the North East experiencing colder temperatures than many other areas, no cold-associated deaths were recorded there during the monitoring period, UKHSA said. Regional differences may be affected by factors including housing quality, home heating, population health, and how people adjust to cold weather, experts noted, though further research is required to fully understand the reasons behind these variations. Circulatory diseases, flu, and pneumonia Circulatory diseases accounted for the highest number of cold-associated deaths, with an estimated 757 deaths connected to these conditions. Flu and pneumonia displayed a different pattern, with mortality risk rising during both extremely cold weather and some milder periods, suggesting "a complex interaction between cold weather and seasonal infections". Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "Cold weather poses a serious risk to health, particularly for people who are more vulnerable because of their age, health, or living circumstances. Our cold weather mortality report shows that around 2,200 people died as a result of very low temperatures last winter. "While this estimate of cold-associated deaths is lower than we saw during the previous winter, these figures show that even short periods of cold weather can have serious effects on health and can lead to increased deaths in the days and weeks that follow. "As we head into winter, it is important that everyone takes simple steps to protect themselves and others. This includes keeping parts of our homes warm, checking in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable, and following weather forecasts and public health advice during cold weather." Who is most at risk from cold weather? The UKHSA has said groups most at risk include: - people aged 65 years and over - people with dementia - people living in poorly insulated homes or experiencing fuel poverty - people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions