Officials see a spike in sleep-related infant deaths in Baltimore City (WMAR)

Thursday Apr 13th, 2017

Baltimore City is experiencing a spike in sleep-related infant deaths.

In the first few months of this year, there have been six sleep-related infant deaths.

The increase comes as a surprise to city health officials who saw record-low numbers in the past several years.

“Between 2009 and 2016 we have had an unprecedented nearly 40 percent drop in infant mortality,” said Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen.

In 2009, 27 babies died in their sleep compared to 2015 where 13 babies passed.

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