Infant Mortality Increases in Costa Rica
Costa Rican state National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) admitted 9.78 babies died for each 1,000 born alive in 2005.

This infant mortality represented an increase compared to the 9.24 babies for each 1,000 born alive registered in 2004.

The main causes for death were prenatal period diseases (48.43 percent) like respiratory, heart disorders, and others related with pregnancy and fetal growth.

The report issued by INEC said that from January to December 2005, 71,548 babies of both sexes were born in Costa Rica, and 700 of them died.

The report, called "Infant Mortality and Recent Evolution" said the data is equal to 699 births less, and 32 deaths more compared to 2004.

Deaths occurred in the first 30 days of life represented 72.57 percent for a rate of 7.1 for each 1,000 born alive, which gave an increase of 0.37 percent over the percentage in 2004, which was 6.73 percent.

Cartago, 20 kilometres east of San José had the greatest number of dead babies in such an age rank, with 12.39, and the biggest increase compared to 2004, with 8.03 percent.