Final answer:
To determine the updated number of preventable medical deaths post-1999 reported by the Consumers Union, the specific figure from their report is required, which is not provided. The U.S. has faced healthcare challenges, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which have significantly impacted mortality rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the evolution of preventable medical errors leading to death in the United States. A 1999 report by the Institute of Medicine highlighted that 98,000 Americans die annually due to such errors. By referencing reports and data from Consumers Union and the Institute of Medicine, an updated figure post-2009 is being sought.
While we do not have the specifics for the change in the number of preventable medical deaths since 1999, we do know that the United States has faced significant healthcare challenges as evidenced by statistics like the infant mortality rate and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.