Mississippi declares public health emergency over rising infant deaths. Here's what to know.

Mississippi health officials have declared a public health emergency after releasing data showing the state's infant mortality rate has risen to its highest level in more than a decade. 

In Mississippi, 9.7 infants died for every 1,000 live births in 2024, nearly double the most recent national average of 5.6 deaths per 1,000, according to the state Department of Health. Since 2014, more than 3,500 Mississippi infants have died before their first birthday.