SC infant mortality rate down slightly

Tools

SC infant mortality rate down slightly

Story Published: Oct 14, 2008 at 7:38 PM EST

Story Updated: Oct 14, 2008 at 7:38 PM EST

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina's infant mortality rate dropped slightly in 2006, even though thousands more babies were born in the state.

The rate of 8.4 deaths per 1,000 live births was down from 9.5 in 2005.

The 2006 rate, based on the most recent numbers available, was released Tuesday and is based on the number of infants who die before their first birthday.

The rate dropped despite more than 5,000 more babies born in the state than the year before.

There were more than 62,000 babies born in South Carolina in 2006, compared to 57,000 in 2005.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control says congenital birth defects and premature births were leading causes of infant death.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WAGT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

WAGT Weather

Click here for 7 Day Forecast
Icon
Current Temp 48 °F
Fog/Mist
More Weather

WAGT Weather

On Demand

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On Tonight Full Schedule

Viewer Poll

Did you vote in the runoff election?

  • Yes, I voted today
  • Yes, I voted early
  • No, I did not vote this time