Population trends
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There was a sharp peak in mortality during the 1996/7 winter, resulting in an estimated 49 thousand excess deaths. This article describes the timing of the winter peak, the population affected and the main causes of death. ⋯ The peak in the number of deaths in December 1996 and January 1997 coincided with a peak in the number of deaths attributed to influenza and with low temperatures. However, the excess winter mortality was higher than expected, based on the experience of previous winters.