CHILD MORTALITY
There were 12,282 deaths of children ages 1-14 in
2000, based on preliminary data. Injury, regardless
of intent, was the primary cause of death in that
age group. Among 1- to 4-year-old children, injuries
accounted for 42 percent of all deaths, followed by
deaths due to congenital malformations (birth defects),
malignant neoplasms (cancer), homicide, and diseases
of the heart.
Unintentional injuries comprised 39 percent of all
deaths among 5- to 14-year-old children, followed
by malignant neoplasms, congenital malformations,
homicides, suicides, and diseases of the heart.
Childhood death rates have declined substantially
over the past several decades. Preliminary death rates
for children 1-4 years of age decreased 5.5 percent
from those reported in 1999, while those for children
aged 5-14 years were not statistically different.
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