Villa Clara is projected to end the year 2024 with an infant mortality rate higher than that recorded last year, reaching 4.7 per one thousand live births, according to reports from the Maternal and Child Care Program (PAMI).
This increase has been largely attributed to a rise in cases of congenital defects, which represent a significant concern for health authorities and the public.
According to data provided by the state channel Telecubanacán, the province reports a congenital malformation mortality rate of 1.0 per thousand live births as of November 2024, equivalent to four deaths.
This figure doubles the deaths recorded during the same period last year, when the rate was 0.4 per thousand live births, with only two fatalities.
Furthermore, the prevalence of congenital malformations has significantly increased, rising from 23.0 per thousand births in 2023 to 31.0 in the current year.
Among the most common abnormalities are defects of the central nervous system, the digestive system, and cardiovascular malformations.
Dr. Liset Caridad Ofarrill, a genetics specialist and director of the Provincial Genetics Center in Villa Clara, detailed that some of the most common defects include hydrocephalus, microcephalus, neural tube defects, and digestive anomalies such as jejunoileal stenosis, esophageal and intestinal atresia, as well as specific cardiovascular malformations.
The specialist noted that the causes of these malformations are multifactorial, combining both genetic and environmental factors.
Among the environmental factors, he mentioned viral infections such as cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, chickenpox, and more recently, the Oropouche virus. The latter, according to studies conducted in American countries like Brazil, has been linked to congenital defects in the central nervous system due to maternal-fetal infections.
Regarding the impact of the Oropouche virus, Villa Clara reported a confirmed case of cardiac malformation in a fetus, resulting from the mother's infection with this virus. This situation led to the termination of the pregnancy.
Other risk factors include the use of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, certain medications, exposure to high temperatures or prolonged fever, and contact with toxic chemicals such as insecticides.
As preventive measures, Dr. Ofarrill emphasized the importance of consuming folic acid at least three months before conception, avoiding pregnancies in adolescence or after the age of 35, and reducing exposure to modifiable risk factors such as drugs and toxic environments.
Demographic Context and Additional Challenges
The demographic situation in Villa Clara has displayed concerning trends in recent years. In 2021, the province recorded more deaths than births, with 6,157 births and 14,613 deaths, indicating a significant population decline.
Additionally, the province faces challenges related to an aging population and low birth rates, factors that further complicate the public health and demographic situation in the region.
These demographic factors, combined with the increase in congenital malformations and infant mortality, underscore the need for comprehensive strategies that address both maternal and child health as well as the demographic challenges in Villa Clara.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Increase in Infant Mortality in Villa Clara and Its Relation to Congenital Defects
What is the infant mortality rate in Villa Clara in 2024?
The infant mortality rate in Villa Clara in 2024 is 4.7 per one thousand live births. This figure reflects an increase compared to the previous year and is largely linked to a rise in cases of congenital defects.
What factors contribute to the rise in congenital defects in Villa Clara?
The factors contributing to the increase in congenital defects in Villa Clara are multifactorial. They include genetic and environmental conditions such as maternal infections by viruses (cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, chickenpox, and Oropouche), the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, certain medications, and exposure to toxic chemicals.
What preventive measures are recommended to reduce congenital disabilities?
The recommended preventive measures include taking folic acid at least three months prior to conception, avoiding pregnancies during adolescence or after the age of 35, and reducing exposure to risk factors such as drugs and toxic environments.
How does the Oropouche virus influence congenital disabilities in Villa Clara?
The Oropouche virus has been linked to congenital malformations of the central nervous system due to mother-to-fetus infections. In Villa Clara, a case of cardiac malformation in a fetus was reported, resulting from the mother's infection with this virus.
Filed under: