DESPITE 2020 RISE, 10-YEAR TREND IN CHILD DEATHS REMAINS DOWNWARD
Awareness of the leading causes of death for children can lead to intervention strategies to help prevent mortality. Many of these deaths are preventable through preconception health care, early and ongoing prenatal care, and outreach to parents and caregivers. This indicator measures the leading causes of death for infants less than one year old and children ages one through four in San Bernardino County.
TREND
The number of deaths for children under five increased 4% in a one-year period, from 173 deaths in 2019 to 180 deaths in 2020. The long-term trend, however, is down, with a decline of 17% since 2011. The number of infant deaths dropped from 157 in 2019 to 153 in 2020. The long term-term trend is also down, falling 15% since 2011. The number of deaths among children ages one through four increased 69%, from 16 deaths in 2019 to 27 deaths in 2020. Since 2011, however, deaths among children ages one through four decreased 23%.
LONG TERM, THE NUMBER OF DEATHS FOR CHILDREN UNDER FIVE DECLINING
Deaths Due to All Causes for Children Under Five in San Bernardino County, 2011-2020
Similarly, while there has been a one-year increase in the death rate per 100,000 children, the long-term trend is downward, dropping 11% from 135.8 deaths for children under 5 in 2011 to 120.6 deaths per 100,000 in 2020.
DEATH RATE FOR CHILDREN UNDER FIVE FALLS 11% IN 10 YEARS
Death Rate Due to All Causes for Children Under Five in San Bernardino County, 2011-2020
Cause of Death Detail
Congenital defects/chromosomal abnormalities and prematurity/low birth weight top the list of leading causes of infant deaths. Leading causes of death are not available for young children (one to four years old) as they have been suppressed due to low sample size.
CONGENITAL DEFECTS AND PREMATURITY ARE MOST FREQUENT CAUSES OF INFANT DEATHS
Leading Causes of Death for Infants in San Bernardino County, 2020
Infants (Under Age One)
| Cause of Death | Number of Deaths |
|---|---|
| Congenital defects/chromosomal abnormalities | 26 |
| Prematurity/low birth weight | 26 |
| Maternal pregnancy complications affecting newborn | 14 |
| Complications of placenta, cord & membranes | 10 |
| All other causes | 77 |
| TOTAL | 153 |