SC infant mortality rate drops 7%

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The infant mortality rate is down in South Carolina but it is still above the national average.

Officials with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) say the state’s infant mortality rate dropped by 7% in 2022.

During the same period officials say the national rate of infant deaths rose to 3%.

DHEC says the leading causes of infant deaths in South Carolina are birth defects, disorders related to short gestation or low birth weight and accidents.