The U.S. Infant Mortality Rate increased by 3% last year, the largest increase in two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). White and Native American infants, infant boys, and babies born at 37 weeks or earlier had significant death rate increases. The leading causes of infant deaths, maternal complications, and bacterial meningitis also saw larger increases. Possible factors contributing to the increase include a rebound in RSV and flu infections after pandemic precautions were lifted, as well as poverty and inadequate prenatal care. The national infant mortality rate rose to 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022.

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