Rising Infant Mortality in Villa Clara Linked to Congenital Defects

Villa Clara is set to conclude 2024 with an infant mortality rate higher than that of the previous year, reaching 4.7 per 1,000 live births, according to the Maternal and Child Care Program (PAMI). This increase is largely attributed to a surge in congenital defect cases, which pose a serious concern for both healthcare authorities and the general public.

Data reported by the state channel Telecubanacán indicates that as of November 2024, the province has recorded a mortality rate due to congenital malformations of 1.0 per 1,000 live births, equating to four deaths. This figure is double the deaths recorded during the same period last year, when the rate was 0.4 per 1,000 live births, with only two fatalities.

Additionally, the prevalence of congenital malformations has risen significantly, from 23.0 per 1,000 births in 2023 to 31.0 this year. Among the most common anomalies are defects of the central nervous system, digestive tract, and cardiovascular malformations.

Insights from Medical Experts

Dr. Liset Caridad Ofarrill, a genetics specialist and director of the Provincial Genetics Center in Villa Clara, explained that common defects include hydrocephalus, microcephaly, neural tube defects, and digestive anomalies such as jejunoileal stenosis, esophageal and intestinal atresia, as well as specific cardiovascular malformations. Dr. Ofarrill indicated that the causes of these malformations are multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental conditions.

Among the environmental factors, she listed infections by viruses such as cytomegalovirus, toxoplasma, chickenpox, and more recently, the Oropouche virus. This latter virus, according to studies conducted in American countries like Brazil, has been linked to central nervous system congenital defects due to maternal-fetal infections.

Environmental and Lifestyle Risk Factors

Regarding the impact of the Oropouche virus, Villa Clara recorded a confirmed case of a cardiac malformation in a fetus, resulting from the mother's infection with this virus, which led to the termination of the pregnancy. Other risk factors include the consumption of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, certain medications, exposure to high temperatures or sustained fever, and contact with toxic chemicals like insecticides.

For prevention, Dr. Ofarrill emphasized the importance of consuming folic acid at least three months before conception, avoiding pregnancies during adolescence or after the age of 35, and reducing exposure to modifiable risk factors such as drugs and toxic environments.

Demographic Context and Further Challenges

Villa Clara's demographic situation has shown worrying trends in recent years. In 2021, the province recorded more deaths than births, with 6,157 births and 14,613 deaths, marking a significant population decline. Additionally, the province faces challenges related to an aging population and low birth rates, which further complicate the public health and demographic landscape in the region.

These demographic factors, combined with the rise in congenital malformations and infant mortality, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address both maternal and infant health and the demographic challenges in Villa Clara.